Daryl Downing

Daryl Downing

Age 73 of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Lakewood Nursing Home in Plainfield.

Born December 6, 1947 in Gary, Indiana, Daryl was a son of Leon and Gladys (Brant) Downing. He was raised and educated in Highland, Indiana and graduated from Highland High School with the class of 1965. Daryl went on to attend Indiana State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree and then later a post-graduate degree from Governors State University. He taught history for 35 years in Bolingbrook.

Daryl was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He had an affinity for the Indiana Hoosiers and the Nebraska Huskers. In his younger years Daryl was an excellent athlete who excelled in football, baseball and basketball, and his later years, the game of golf. Daryl was also very involved in his sons’ activities. Whether he was wearing the coach’s hat or just simply cheering loudly from the sidelines, he never missed a moment.

In 1995 Daryl began his eternal life when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and in doing so became a devoted and longtime member of Joliet First Assembly Church. In his free time, Daryl enjoyed cooking for his family, working in the yard and travel. Daryl was able to explore all across the United States, as well as various other parts of the world. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Daryl is survived by his wife of 49 years, Janine; two sons: Rhett (Emily) of Chicago and Todd (Shaina) of Joliet; four grandchildren: Charlotte, Skylar, Riven and Elet, and brother: Lynn (Donna) of Wickenburg, Arizona, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Leon and Gladys.

Family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Joliet First Assembly Church, 1741 Essington Road in Joliet. Interment will follow and Daryl will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park II – Hills of Rest Cemetery in Joliet.