Frank O. Downing, Sr.

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Celebrating the life of
Frank O. Downing, Sr.April 24, 1921 - October 03, 2008

Frank O. Downing

SAVANNAH – Frank O. Downing, age 87, died on October 3, 2008, under the care of Hospice Savannah. He was a native of Savannah. He attended Marist School for Boys and was a 1941 graduate of Benedictine Military School.
He enlisted in the Navy December 16, 1941 – December 1, 1945. He served as a Quarter Master, Third, and was a combat veteran in the North and South Pacific, 5 invasions and five battle stars.
In 1949, Frank graduated from Woodrow Wilson School of Law with a LLB degree. He opened his law office in Savannah in 1951 and was a practicing attorney for 55 years. He was past President of the Savannah Bar Association, founding member of Savannah Trial Lawyers, and a member of Sigma Delta Kappa law fraternity.
Frank was Veteran of the Year in 1994. He was elected to the Georgia State Senate 1962-1966, and elected Chatham County Commissioner 1969-1984. He was a municipal court judge for the town of Thunderbolt for 27 years. He served on the Georgia State Personnel Board for 5 years and was Chairman of the State Manpower Board of the Labor Department for 2 years. He started Neighborhood Watch in Savannah with the Oglethorpe Business Women's Club.
Frank was a member of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and Chairman of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee in 1954. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and the Hibernian Society. He was past President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, charter member of American Legion, Post 184, and a member of the First Georgia Battery "E" Irish Jasper Greens.
Frank is survived by his wife of 62 years, Cornelia Connie Love Downing, daughter and son-in-law Caren Downing Wilson and Larry Wilson, son Frank O. Downing, Jr., a grandson Trip Downing, a loving granddaughter, Sarah Downing Goethe and husband Chris Goethe, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
The Rev. Patrick O'Brien will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 7, 2008, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Interment will follow in Bonaventure Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to St. Mary's Home, 2170 East Victory Dr., Savannah, Georgia, 31404 or Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.

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GUEST BOOK

Caren, My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

- Connie Parrish, Savannah, GA

Connie, I am so sorry for your lose. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Maree

- Maree Zeigler, Savannah, GA

To Caren and the Downing Family, I know what its like to lose a father and the pain runs deep. my heart goes out to you all. Take solace in knowing the he suffers no more and you will always carry him with you in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your Friend, Terri F. Carter

- Terri Carter, midway, GA

Caren: I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

- Jan Martin, Statesboro, GA

As a long lost and distant cousin of Frank, I have only known him, by phone, for the past three years. But he was an enchanting talker with a razor sharp memory. I only wish we could have met in person.

- Mary Alice Heagarty Burgan, Washington, HI

Frank always made me laugh!

- Tom Campbell, Savannah, GA

We have such fond memories of our times on 53rd Street with Frank and all the Downings. He always made us laugh. His family is in our thoughts and prayers

- Nita Campbell, Edna Pierce, Savannah, GA