Downing, Homer Leslie 1873 - 1918

DOWNING, FAIR, BOTHEL

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/27/2021 at 12:58:22

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 26 Sept. 1918. Monona column.

Homer Leslie Downing, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Downing, was born at Monona, Iowa, May 19 1873. During childhood and early manhood this was his home. On May 3rd, 1894, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Fair and four years later he moved his family to Michigan where he has since lived. In February of the present year failing health made it necessary for him to give up his work. In the early spring it was decided that he should come home to Monona for rest and recuperation. Accompanied by his wife he arrived here May 23. During the time he was here he seemed to be improving in health and hopes were entertained for his full recovery. On Saturday, September 14, he seemed as well as usual but in the afternoon a tumor on the brain left him suddenly stricken. The following day, Sunday, September 15, the sleep of death quietly fell upon him and he departed this life at the age of 45 years, 3 months and 25 days.

His wife, Mrs. Saarah E. Downing, and two daughters, Nellie and Alice, now grown to young womanhood, mourn the early passing of the husband and father. Other immediate relatives who mourn his death are the father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Downing of Monona; four brothers, Claude of North McGregor; Dell of Oelrichs, South Dakota; Ray of Ottumwa, and Leonard of Postville, and one sister, Mrs. Irene Bothel of Ossian.

Homer Leslie Downing was a good man. He was very quiet in his manner but possessed qualities of true worth. For nearly twenty years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and at the time of his death was a member of the First church at Lansing, Mich.

Those in attendance at the funeral from out of town were: Nellie and Alice Downing, Lansing, Mich.; Mr. and Mrs. Claude Downing and Mattie Bothel, of North McGregor; Leonard Downing, of Postville, and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bothel, of Ossian.

Funeral services were held from the Methodist Episcopal church of Monona, Thursday forenoon, September 19. Interment was made in the Monona cemetery.