Gary Downing

NORWALK — Gary Downing, 52, Norwalk met Jesus August 18, 2020, at 11:01 a.m. Gary courageously fought COVID from July 10th until his passing. The family held onto Job 33:4, "The spirit of God made Gary and the breath of the Almighty gives him life." Today Gary is breathing God's life fully. He was born November 12th, 1967, to the late Nora (Woods) and Robert Earl Downing. Gary was a 1986 NHS graduate. He was in choir and musical theater for many years and sang on the COTK worship team for 20 years. He attended Cincinnati Bible College, majoring in Deaf Ministry and received his Bachelor's from Liberty University. Gary is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife Mandy (Shibley); his biggest blessings Emily, Joshua and Sarah; his little sister Dawn; sisters, Becky and Theresa; mother-in-law, Sharon Rhineberger and brother, Donald. Gary loved his family fully and poured his heart, soul and strength into serving them, supporting them and loving them. He was the NHS Music Booster President and the band's half-time announcer for 9 years. Gary's faith was so important to him. It was evident in his kind, tender, serving heart, the people he mentored, the classes he taught and the hearts he touched. He worked as a sign language interpreter for several years in many different school systems, at FTMC as assistant manager of admissions, and American Excelsior as office manager until the time of his passing. A drive thru opportunity to show support for the family will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, August 23, 2020 at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St., Norwalk. Visitors should enter using the funeral home's east entrance, remain in their vehicles, briefly greet the family, and exit using the west exit. Visitors will be required to wear a mask and practice all social distancing and mass gathering guidelines. A graveside service will be held the following day, 10 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2020 at Woodlawn Cemetery. The same COVID safety precautions will apply on Monday at the cemetery. Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com