Edward William Downing II

Ed Downing,II, 63, of Terre Haute, died on the early morning of July 17, 2021 in Union Hospital ICU. The cause was melanoma cancer of the liver, just identified a week before his death (a very special thank you to Nurse Greg in ICU and to our dear friend Sister Betty Hopf for creating a loving, quiet, peaceful, respectful environment for Ed and all of us). Ed was born on December 7, 1957 at home in Terre Haute to Barbara Ann (Cleghorn) and Edward Downing. Ed enjoyed Boy Scouts (almost finishing as an Eagle Scout); he was an outstanding diver on the TH North High School swim team; he was a great dancer in the 70’s and had a dance group that would entertain around Vigo County. He was tall and agile and he played pickup basketball games and was so proud that he had blocked Larry Bird’s shot twice. Ed briefly attended Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology but was sidetracked by starting a family. He quickly moved into management positions for various restaurants, especially proud of his work with Bob Evans restaurants, also becoming a roving manager for this company. For 27 years Ed worked at Amcor (aka Bemis) mainly as an outstanding ink blender. He was a reliable, hardworking, dedicated, highly intelligent, responsible man who could be blunt but always stood up for others and his own values. He was a faithful and devoted Union #1426 man.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by an older sister, Brenda, and a son, Edward, III. Surviving in addition to his wife of almost 14 years, Stephanie, are his children Matthew (Wendy) of Terre Haute; Jessie Hardesty (Matt) of Lafayette; Eric (Mallory) of Grand Rapids, MI; Elise of Terre Haute; stepson Eli Van Sickel of Lafayette; stepdaughter Naomi Campbell (Jeff) of Terre Haute; four grandchildren, Zara, Zevela, Zaiden and Reagin; one brother Joe Downing (Nikki) of Terre Haute; and many nieces and nephews.

Ed’s life was filled with many interests including scuba diving, photography, camping and traveling, video games (especially WOW and Destiny II). His greatest loves were his children and wife, his bicycle excursions (sometimes up to 100 miles in one day), his darting league, his new Subaru Outback, and his 90 lb “lap dog” Rex.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on October 2, 2021 at Camp Wildwood in Terre Haute, from 12noon to 3pm. Limited parking. We will share memories and enjoy his favorite 70’s music. The family will have a Memory Box out for anyone who would like to contribute a photo or item of Ed.

Ed requested that any donations be made in his name to the Terre Haute Humane Shelter, where we found his beloved Rex.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/indianapolis-cremation for the Downing family.