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© The Verden News Verden, Oklahoma April 3, 1923 June 20, 1860 ~ July 25, 1923 The grim reaper of death has passed our way once more, this time removing from our midst one of the landmarks of our citizenry, John D. Downing, one of the pioneers of this community. Mr. Downing was born near Talequah, Indian Territory - now a part of Oklahoma. At the age of 14 he came to the Anadarko Agency and shortly afterwards was adopted by the Wichita Indians as a member of their tribe. He was educated at Anadarko Agency and at Hampton, Va., receiving from the latter school a certificate entitling him to teach in Government schools. He was married April 3, 1885 to Ada Mae Meeks. To this union was born four children, James Downing of Santa Rosa, N. M., Mrs. Susie Cochran of Tuttle, Mrs. Rachel Briscoe of Anadarko, and Fred Downing, deceased. The mother and wife having departed in early life, he was again married on July 12, 1898 to Mrs. Margaret Garen, and by this marriage seven children were born; John, Earl, Pearl, Rena, Thelma, Edens and Ernst. These together with a stepson, Howard Garen of Roswell, N. M., are left to mourn his departure. With the exception of his eldest son, James and stepson, Howard Garen, the entire membership of his family were present when he died. Mr. Downing had resided in this community for over 49 years and was a man who attended to his own affairs and never bothering with affairs that did not concern him. For a number of years he was prominently identified with the stockraisers of the state. He was Initiated in the Masonic Lodge at Anadarko, on January 11, 1896, was later re[ceived] by demit as a charter member of Verden Lodge No. 829. He received the Scottish Rite Degree at Guthrie, May 5, 6 and 7, 1908. Funeral services were held from the Methodist church Saturday, July 28, under auspices of the Masonic order, Rev. Chas. Mann, officiating. |
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