Thomas G. Downing, 80, of Ellwood City, formerly of Wurtemburg, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at Good Samaritan Hospice in Beaver.
Born in Ellwood City on September 2, 1939 Tom was the son of the late Lucian and Thelma Graham Downing. He married the former Mary Kay Badger on August 13, 1977 and she preceded him in death on December 1, 2011. Tom was a 1957 graduate of Lincoln High School and a 1961 graduate of Slippery Rock State College. While at Slippery Rock, he joined Alpha Phi Omega fraternity and served as both the treasurer and president. He taught science and math at Riverside High School from 1961 until 1991 and then taught chemistry at Portersville Christian School from 1992 until he retired in 1999. A lifetime member of Wurtemburg United Methodist Church, Tom participated in its prison ministry. Tom was a founding member of the Northwest PA Steam Engine and Old Equipment Association and he enjoyed traveling around the country for steam shows. He authored two books, including the Russel and Company History. He was a contributing columnist to Farm and Dairy Magazine. Tom enjoyed collecting everything from steam engines, to bricks to milk bottles. He was the quintessential teacher, who had a lifelong love of learning.
Tom is survived by his children, Sharon Christine Downing of Beaver Falls, Thomas B. and Amy Downing of Ellwood City and Kezia and Matt Chaney of Portland, Oregon, two grandsons, Reese and Brian Downing and a sister, Karen and Paul Rader of Harmony.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 7th at 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Ellwood City and a gathering for friends and family will follow at the church after the service. Interment will take place in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in Tom’s name to the Wurtemburg United Methodist Church, 1244 Portersville Rd., Ellwood City, PA 16117.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Joseph A. Tomon, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 97 Grim Ave. Ellport.
One of the best teacher’s I ever had and a good friend.