George L. Downing was born on March 14, 1934 in Seward to Willard Ross and Adah Pearle (Soss) Downing and passed away on June 7, 2019, in Seward at the age of 85 years, 2 months and 24 days.

George grew up in Seward where he attended Seward High School and graduated with the Class of 1952. George enlisted into the United States Navy on November 24, 1952. He served on the U.S.S. Kenneth Whiting during the Korean War. He received the National Defense Service Medal and China Service Medal. George was honorably discharged on September 17, 1956. Upon his return to Seward, he began working at Johnson's Locker which he later purchased. On April 28, 1962, George was united in marriage to Betty Lou Brackhan at Immanuel Lutheran Church, north of Utica. To this union five children were born. George served as the manager of the Seward VFW Club later in life. He enjoyed attending his children's activities and later his grandchildren's activities as well. George participated in the color guard and enjoyed marching in local parades. He loved bowling, dancing, going to the casino and was an avid supporter of 4-H and FFA.

George was a past Commander and lifetime member of the Seward VFW Post #4755, past member of the Seward American Legion Post #33 and a current member of the Garland American Legion Post #369. He was a member and past State President of the Nebraska Association of Meat Processors, past member of the Seward Jaycees, past member of the Seward Board of Education, past member of the Seward Public Power District Board of Directors and a member of the Seward United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 48 years, Betty; five brothers, Robert, Herb, Charlie, Gene and Don.

George is survived by his five children, Rick and wife Sue Downing of Lincoln and their children, Benjamin Downing, Hanna (Grant) Ostrander and their son Ezekiel, Shelby Riedman, Grace Riedman, Allison Riedman; Anita Downing-Hueftle and husband Neil of Cozad and their children, Anson (Joleen) Hueftle, Aaron (Shae) Hueftle and their daughter Charlotte, Isaac Hueftle and fiancé Lindsay Warning; Brenda Downing-Farber and husband Jerry of Ashland and their children, Tristin, Kayla and Joshua; Linda Downing-Mann and husband Garrett of Burwell and their children, Blake, Carter, Avery, Laurel Mann; Joann Downing-King of  Seward and her son, Alex King; three sisters-in-law, Ruth Downing, Seward, Roena Downing, Fort Collins, CO, Shirley Downing, Lincoln; seven nieces; special friends, Chad King; Cid and Chris Beckler families; helpful friend, Cheryl Zumpfe, all of Seward. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of a life shared with George.