Billie Joe Downing, age 68, of Goshen, passed away at Goshen General Hospital on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Billie was born November 5, 1941 in Clinton, Indiana to the late Oscar and Nellie (Ayers) Downing. Following high school, Billie enlisted in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1963. On May 6, 1984, Billie married Rebecca Chandler in Orlando, Florida. They then made their residence in Goshen.
Rebecca survives, along with a son, Shawn Misener and his fiance Bonnie Poe of Warsaw, IN, and daughters Summer (Alex), Jode (Bill), and Heather. Billie is also survived by his brother Jimmie Downing of Clinton, IN. Surviving as well are three grandchildren, Travis, Madison, and Daniel, and two step- grandchildren, Jillian and Matthew.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the 11:00 am funeral service on Saturday, November 6, 2010. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church Life Extension; 1212 W. Plymouth Avenue in Goshen, Indiana. Chapel Hill Funeral Home is handling arrangements, and interment will take place in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Billie was employed as a truck driver at Bull Moose Tube in Elkhart for many years before his retirement in 2005. He enjoyed hunting, working in his yard, collecting guns, and watching Westerns on television. In his memory, contributions may be given to the Disabled American Veterans.