Dero Debois “Dee” Downing passed away in Bowling Green, Kentucky on July 23, 2024 after a brief illness. Born May 12, 1947 to Dero and Harriet Downing, Dee was a believer in God, family, loyalty, and in the fact everyone is deserving of second chances in life. He lived those beliefs every day and inspired family members, workmates, and students with his attitude that anything is possible.
Dee attended The Training School, was a graduate of College High School, and attained a Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree in Education and a Rank I from Western Kentucky University. He was a star basketball and baseball player for the College High Cardinals, and went on to play baseball at WKU. Following a teaching stint, Dee joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation and served as an agent for 20 years. He dipped his toe in several careers before finding his purpose reignited at Warren County Regional Juvenile Detention Center. Dee’s final career chapter was with the Bowling Green Learning Center, where he took great pride in being part of at least 150 students graduating from that institution. He left his mark on many young men and women who continue to credit him with changing their lives.
Dee built family relationships in every group he touched – his Arkansas workmates and friends, his fellow educators at WCRJDC, Broadway United Methodist Church, and most important, his wife, children and grandchildren. He was never prouder than when talking about his daughters, Carrie, Alexandria, and Megan; his son Jake; his grandchildren Austin, Jonathan, and Tiffany; and always at the top of his list, his wife Terri. Nothing brought him greater joy.
Dee’s true gift was in using his own life experiences to help people through their own struggles. He was direct, but not judgmental. He was goal-oriented on behalf of others, and they knew it was because he wanted them to learn to forge their own path. He had a bark that made you pay attention, but it was more often followed by a kiss on the cheek than by harsh words. He had a dry sense of humor, but always wanted everyone to share in the laughter. He was, in Mr. Rogers’ vernacular, one of the helpers.
Dee is survived by his wife Terri, daughters Carrie King (Jeff), Alexandria Downing, and Megan Rorex; his son Jake Rorex (Barbara); and his grandchildren Austin King, Jonathan Pulliam, and Tiffany Hladki- Hudspeth. He is also survived by his siblings Kathryn Smith (Elvin), Anne Patterson (Ray), Elizabeth Downing (Mark), and Alex Downing (Kelly); his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Carl Johnson (Julie), Leah Jones (Mike), Lindall Johnson (Laura); and his many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Dee’s life will be celebrated with a visitation at Broadway United Methodist Church, 1323 Melrose Avenue, Bowling Green, KY, on Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A service will immediately follow visitation at 4:00 p.m. Johnson Vaughn Phelps Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Dero (Dee) and Terri Downing Scholarship Fund, College Heights Foundation, 1703 Chestnut Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101.
