Gregory A. Downing

Dec.30, 1953-Nov. 10, 2004

STRATTON -- Gregory A. Downing, 50, died Wednesday (Nov. 10, 2004) at his home in Stratton.

He was born Dec. 30, 1953, to Kermit and Mary (Vachuta) Downing in Atwood. He graduated from McDonald High School in 1972. In 1974, he graduated from NW Kansas Area Vo-Tech School after a course of education in farm mechanics.

On June 8, 1974, he married Geraldine Sabatka at St. John's Catholic Church in Beardsley, Kan. The couple made their home in Goodland, Kan. In 1975, they moved to Stratton. He was employed with Stehno Farms for 17 years.

He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratton. He served on the Stratton ambulance crew for 20 years, was a volunteer firefighter, a volunteer scoutmaster for Troop No. 219 and a master of the Stratton Village Board.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; step-father, Don Schwerdt; and sister, Cheryl Wilkens.

Survivors include his wife, Geraldine of Stratton; two sons, Jason and wife, Amy Downing and Ryan Downing, all of Kearney; his mother, Mary Schwerdt of McDonald; brother, Doug of McDonald; sister, Jeanette Burkhalter and husband, Kevin of Benkelman; and one grandchild on the way.

Mass of Christian Burial is Saturday, 10 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratton with the Rev. Sean Redmond officiating. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton. 

Visitation is today, until 5 p.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel in Stratton. A rosary and vigil is today at 7 p.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton is in charge of the arrangements.