Williard R. Downing, 72, of Findlay, died Dec. 20, 2009, at Richland Manor Nursing Home, Bluffton.

He was born Oct. 22, 1937, in Allen County to Raymond and Metta Geiger Downing. On July 15, 1965, he married Phyllis Jean Shuster and she died Feb. 25, 1998.

Mr. Downing was retired from Phillips GTE, Ottawa. He was a graduate of Beaverdam High School.

Survivors include three sisters, Vera (Wallace) Owen, Marysville; Frances (Kenneth Ray) Adams, Ottawa; Karen (Gary) Bronson, Celina; and four step-daughters, Karen Burgbacher, Forest, Sharon (Ken) Savage, Mt. Victory, Joyce Coy, Kenton, and Janet (Gregory) Gremling, Lima.

Also surviving are several step grand and great-grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by a sister, Ethel Moser and a stepson, Herbert Coy.

A funeral service is at 11 a.m., Dec. 23, at Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, Bluffton. Rev. Michael Downey will officiate.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 22, at the funeral home. Burial is at Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton.

Memorials may go to Bridge Home Health and Hospice.