Harold “Bud” Downing, age 80, of Sherrodsville and formerly Washington Court House, passed away early Thursday, September 24, 2026, while in Ohio State Medical Center in Columbus following a period of declining health.

Bud was born on May 18, 1946. A son of the late John C. and Mary Ann (Henderson) Downing.

After graduation from Tusky Valley High, Bud enlisted in the Air Force, obtaining top secret clearance to work in cryptographic information while serving in Greenland. Upon discharge Bud completed his apprenticeship in the IBEW local 540 and worked in the industry for a number of years at Hilscher Clarke Electric before obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Akron. The remainder of his career was spent in Project management on major stadium and hospital projects around the U.S. and abroad. He even managed to shake hands with President Reagan when he toured the Faircrest Steel Mill.

Bud believed if his name was associated with a project you could count on it being done right. He even earned the nickname “twenty more men” due to his commitment to complete a project on time and on budget. When told the project was lagging behind his reply was, well get twenty more men! He was awarded “The Project of the Year” award for his efforts on that project. He was a man of his word and a gentleman’s handshake was a guarantee from him that the job would be done and done right.

On August 16, 1969, Bud married the former Colleen Rees in Roxford Church. This August they were blessed to celebrate their 57th Anniversary. Bud was an active member of Roxford Church and they raised their children there and later Heritage Memorial Church in Washington Court House.

Bud was always busy with a project, and happiest when he had something to do. While battling cancer he even began a major remodeling project at his home. He enjoyed doing things himself and was always available to help a family member, especially his kids, or a friend with their projects, often putting his own aside to help. He loved spending time with his family hunting, tending his garden and working on the farm.

More than anything Bud loved supporting his family. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Colleen; children, Eric R. (Christa) Downing of Sherrodsville, Krisann M. (Daniel) Stenz of Sherrodsville, Lon T. Downing of Mt. Orab, Ohio, and Bethany K. Downing of New Cumberland; grandchildren, Braden C. Downing, Bryce P. Downing, Addlynn C. Downing, Easton M. Downing, and Max J. Stenz; siblings, Mary Jane (Earl) Walker, Linda (Robert) Armstrong, James (Rose) Downing, Carl (Nancy) Downing, and Paul (Jane) Downing; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bud was preceded in death by a grandson, Peter Rees Stenz; sister, Carolyn Springer; and brother and sister-in-law Richard & Vickie Downing.

The family will greet guests on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM in the Roxford Church, 771 Roxford Church Rd SE, Dennison, OH 44621. Pastor Jim Manbeck will lead a celebration of Bud’s life beginning at 3:00 PM. A meal and fellowship will follow the service in the church social hall.

Memorial contributions in Bud’s name may be directed to Roxford Church, 771 Roxford Church Rd. SE, Dennison, OH 44621 or to Patient/Family Housing Fund #305326 at giveto.osu.edu