Surrounded by the love of his family, Edward Laverne Downing, 89, passed away on April 30th, 2019, at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs. Edward was born on January 16th, 1930, to Seth Thomas and Mable Aletta (Hansen) Downing. Ed was raised in Glenwood Springs and enjoyed hunting, fishing and working his grandparents’ ranch in the Spring Valley area.
In 1951 he joined the Army and was stationed at Camp Carson, now known as Fort Carson, in Colorado Springs serving in the 14th Infantry Division and the 11th Armored Calvary. When he returned home to Glenwood Springs he owned and operated Downing Painting, Decorating and Wallpaper Hanging with his brother Gordon. Gordon passed in 1967, and Ed continued to run the business until he retired in 1992. In 1954 he married Lucylle Gilstrap, and they had 3 daughters Lorie (Noel) Crawford, Lana (Jeff) Holub and Linda (Michael) Mansfield. Ed and Lucylle later divorced.
On August 25th, 1984, he married Shirley Marie Maddalone and lovingly welcomed her children Tina Maddalone, Karra (Donald) Snyder, Jimmy (Cindy) Maddalone, and Virgil (Judy) Maddalone.
Ed and Shirley lived in El Jebel and later moved to Glenwood Springs. They spent many days camping, fishing, hunting and doing projects around the house. Ed was an avid reader, enjoyed woodworking and spending time outdoors. He had a gentle heart, a warm smile, and he taught us so many priceless lessons that we will cherish forever.
He is survived by his loving wife Shirley, his 7 children, 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gordon Downing, and his sister Marjorie Coller.
At Ed’s request there will be no memorial service.
Condolences may be mailed to the family at 1012 Minter Ave., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.