Cremation Rites have been accorded.
Dean was born on July 20, 1939, in Lincoln, the son of Morgan A. and Lucille Lessen Downing. He married Glenda B. Johnson on April 14, 1962, in Lincoln, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. They celebrated 62 years of marriage.
Dean was father to Sara (Greg) Horchem of Lincoln and Jill (Gerald) Uhrine of Thompsons Station, TN. Grandfather to Joshua, Justin and Jason Horchem and Samuel and Sophia Uhrine.
Dean and Glenda lived over 50 years in the country farmhouse where Glenda’s grandfather Peter and Myrtle (Lucas) Johnson lived. The family lived near a creek where many days were spent on a sand bar while fishing or having a wiener roast. Family life was very important.
Dean honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corp. 1958-1961.
Dean was a hunter and fisherman most of his life. He enjoyed a good bridge card game that he played with both Glenda and his men friends.
Surviving are his wife, Glenda, and their daughters, Sara and Jill; his five grandchildren; sister-in-law, Nancy (Bernard) LaValle; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Morgan O. and Wayne Downing and brother-in-law Teddy W. Johnson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lincoln American Legion Post # 263 on Saturday, November 23. Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with fellowship to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or donor’s choice.
Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
