Daryl W. Downing, 79, of Hutchinson, died April 21, 2023, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born April 22, 1943, at Hoffman Memorial Hospital, Little River, to Cecil B. and Bernice L. (Smith) Downing.
Daryl graduated from Little River High School in 1961. Following high school, he attended junior college for two years, then graduated from Adela Hale Business School in 1965. He worked as a machinist/can line operator at Carey Salt Evaporation Plant for 34 years. Thereafter, Daryl was a supply deliveryman at Hutchinson Clinic Central Supply for 16 years. Daryl knew how to keep busy; he was always “on the go.” In his free time, Daryl loved cars. He would frequently feature his trucks in car shows. Daryl was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He would do anything for anyone. He was especially talented at telling stories; he would talk everyone’s ears off. One thing that he was particularly proud of were his two grandchildren. Daryl loved watching his grandchildren at their sporting events. He would try his hardest to make it to every game.
On March 24, 1973, he married Theresa M. Hampel in Hutchinson, KS. They shared over 50 years of marriage before he passed.
Daryl is survived by: wife, Theresa (Terri) Downing, of Hutchinson; son, Darrin (Abbi) Downing, of Wichita; grandchildren, Daxton and Eastyn Downing, also of Wichita; special niece, Melissa (Kelley) Scheffe, of Hutchinson; and other nieces and nephews in California.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Charlene Lawson.
Celebration of Life Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Montie McFerrin officiating. Burial will follow at 12 p.m. in Bean Memorial Cemetery, Little River. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
The service will be livestreamed at https://www.elliottmortuary.com/.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice House, Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.