On October 6, 2021, Dennis Downing passed away peacefully with family members by his side at Spanish Peaks VA Community Living Center. He was proceeded in death by his father and mother, Grant and Helen Downing, and his sister Laureen Mae Soares. He is survived by his loving wife Susan Downing of Raton NM; his children, Deena Downing and spouse Roberta La Blanc-Ryan, William Downing, Dennis Glen Downing, and wife Nancy, all of Las Vegas, NV, Jeff Behrend and wife Ann of Brush Prairie, WA, Barb Losoya and husband Manuel of Colorado Springs, CO, and Elizabeth Wick and husband Bob of Raton, NM. Dennis and Sue also have four grandchildren: Stephanie Kirby, Alyssa Conklin, Robert Wick, and Kayleigh Downing; 4 great-grandchildren; and several nieces.
Dennis was a husband, brother, father, teacher, and friend, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. For 20 years Dennis served his country in the United States Air Force. After retiring from the military, he taught Machining at Pikes Peak Community College until retiring again for good. Dennis was very active in this world including The Boy Scouts of America for 50 years, the Masons for 40 years, the American Red Cross for 10 years, and numerous other community organizations including Raton Optimists, Kiwanis, Raton Arts and Humanities, Raton Ambassadors, Raton Farmers Market, and Growing Great Kids. He also led an annual flag retirement ceremony, involving Raton’s youth and adults. As busy as Dennis was, he always took time to appreciate nature and was very fond of his times at Lake Maloya and trips to Sedona, Arizona. However, he most enjoyed evenings playing cards or dominos with his family.
Dennis always dreamed of opening a Scouting Museum. After moving to Raton in 1999 he fulfilled this dream, opening the Boy Scout Museum on 1st St. Thousands of kids and adults passed through over the next 20 years.
Dennis’ family would like to extend a special note of admiration for the staff of Spanish Peaks VA Community Living Center for not only their impeccable care of Dennis but also for the care and compassion extended to his family during his final days.
A small service celebrating Dennis will be held Friday, November 12th at 10:00 at Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home with a luncheon at KBob’s following. Dennis will be interred at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please do a good turn in the name of Dennis Downing.
Arrangements for Dennis Downing are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
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