Cleon Raymond "Poppy" Downing, 89, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of his family at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at his home.

Born on May 29, 1936, in Whitley County, Indiana, he was a son of eight children born to the late Irven J. and Mildred E. (Smith) Downing.  Growing up in Thorncreek Twp., Cleon graduated from Columbia City High School in 1955.  During his high school years, Cleon worked at a local grocery store, developing a good work ethic, and then at Cary Construction Company, International Harvester, DX Gas Station in Columbia City, and Chamberlin Products in South Whitley.  In 1956, he began dating Cora "Joan" Smith.  After she graduated from Pierceton High School in 1958, the two were wed on May 24, 1958.  They made their home in Columbia City.

Inducted into the U.S. Army on February 3, 1959, after his basic training, he deployed with the 21st Infantry to the Werner Barracks in Munich, West Germany, during the Cold War.  He was honorably discharged on January 19, 1961.

Returning to the area, he went to work for Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne, where he worked for 30 years.  He rounded out his work career with Trier Automotive in Columbia City, retiring in 2001.  He was a member of the Columbia Twp., Fire Department and served with the Whitley County Rescue from 1977 to 1990.  He was an active member of the Columbia City Church of the Brethren.

In his retirement years, he enjoyed tinkering in his garage, fixing whatever needed repair and finishing with a fresh coat of paint.  A collector of hand tools, he would attend area auctions and sales looking for a bargain, a missing tool, or a new tool for his collection.  He kept all well organized and placed.  He liked planting flowers and working in the garden.

A devout family man, his priorities in life were family, the country he served, and his God.  The grandkids and great-grandkids were his joy, many times taking a nap on his belly.  Enjoying eating, he always savored a fried egg sandwich, biscuits and gravy, and the seasonal mushrooms.

Surviving is his wife of 67 years, Joan; children, Glenna Snyder of South Whitley, Kristi Wise of Columbia City, Jill Erman of Garrett, Becki (Chad) Jacquay of Columbia City, and Dennis (Anna Brackman) Downing of Poway, CA;  grandchildren, Keri (John Soliday) Downing; Tony (Danielle) Parker, Amy Mull, James (Ashley) Myers, Trevor Kneller, Aspen Adams, Mike Downing, Megan Downing, Cole Downing, Charlotte Downing, Sydney Brackman, Asher Brackman, and Amber Parker; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Kaylee, Allen, Zoe, Hailey, Isaak, Jada, Riley, Kennedy, Grayson, Dennis, Amirah, and Myles; and a sister, Mary Johnson of Bradenton, FL.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by brothers, James, Harold, and Glenn Downing, and sisters, Doris Buckles, Carol Williams, and Helen Morford.

The funeral service is 1 p.m. Saturday (Nov 22nd) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Burial is at the Nolt Cemetery.  Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the service Saturday at the funeral home.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials in Cleon's honor be given to the Columbia City Church of the Brethren.