Daniel Merrill Downing

Surrounded by his loving family, Danny left this Earth to live eternally with his Lord and Savior on May 9, 2011. He was born December 5, 1945 to Robert Merrill Downing and Vivian Graves Downing. Except for time spent serving his country from 1964-1968 in the United States Air Force, he lived his entire life in Longview, Texas where he met and married his true love, Linda Brown in 1969. Danny retired as Captain in 1999 after 31 years with the Longview Fire Department. He took great pride in his work and the city he loved so much. He thoroughly enjoyed the mentoring of the young firemen and brotherhood they all shared. In addition to his service as a Firefighter, he owned and operated Danny's Outboard and Repair Service at Lake Cherokee. His days off from the Fire Department were spent taking care of his customers. In his free time, he loved to hunt, fish, cook and spend time with his friends and family. Danny lived the last three years of his life at Highland Pines Nursing Home where he was cared for by a loving staff, his wife and his children. The family would like to convey their deepest appreciation to everyone at Highland Pines. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Vivian Downing and grandchildren Grayson and Camille. He is survived by his loving wife Linda, daughters, Dustin Shirley and husband, Marc, and Ashley Franze and her husband, Jeff. He leaves behind his precious grandchildren Avery Alexandra Shirley, Slayton Shirley and Ian Miller Franze. Also, surviving him is his mother-in-law, Lois Wilson, sisters, Lana Myers and Linda Baxley and a number of nieces and nephews and extended family. As his family, we are sure that no man ever loved his wife and family as much as "Pops" did. We know that he will continue to watch over us all from Heaven as he did on Earth. Funeral services will be 2 PM Thursday, May 12, 2011 at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Farmer officiating. Burial will follow at Rosewood Park. The family will recieve friends at the funeral home on Wednesday night from 6 until 8 PM. The family requests memorials be made to: Longview Professional Firefighters Association Charity Fund, 411 N. Fredonia, Ste. 110, Longview, TX 75601

Daniel Merrill Downing

December 5, 1945 - May 9, 2011