Freeport , IL – William Downing, 75 of Freeport passed away at FHN Memorial Hospital , surrounded by his family, following an extended illness . He was born November 5, 1947 to the late Clinton and Flora (Krueger) Downing. He married Carolyn McMurray on September 7, 1968 at Embury UMC in Freeport .

He was a tool and die journeyman and stamping technician for Micro Switch for 37 years retiring in 2002 . He loved to go fishing, golfing, and woodworking, making cabinets and other pieces that his family will treasure for many years . He was an avid Chicago White Sox and Bears fan . He was even in attendance at the disco demolition night at Comiskey Park on July 12, 1979, which he reminisced about frequently with his family.

He is survived by his wife, of Freeport . His son, Edward (Michele) Downing of Freeport and his daughter, Susan (Tony) Picha of Gilbert AZ and his brother, Steven (Sandra) Downing of Freeport . His legacy includes his grandchildren, Craig (Alli Barr – fiancé) Downing of Hamilton, IL; Alex (JT Materile – fiancé) Picha of Scottsdale, AZ; Amanda (Cole) Sharp of Nebraska City, NE; Hannah (Micah) Schlesselman of Coralville, IA; and Abby (Jay Coats) Picha of Gilbert, AZ. He also leaves behind a lifelong friend, Marvin (Kathy) Dominick Jr. of Freeport.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Ruth Ann Auer , and brother , Karl "Bucky" Downing.

There will be a visitation at 11am on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 and a service immediately following at 12pm all at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport . In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name . A special thanks to Tri-State Home Healthcare and the staff on 4 East Telemetry at FHN. Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.