Roy Downing

Roy Vernon Downing, 79, of Grandview, Mo., passed away Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, at Kansas City Hospice House.

He was born March 30, 1929, in St. Louis, and lived in Granite City, Ill., with his parents, Robert and Blanche Downing.

His family moved to the White Gate Farm near Patton, Mo., and he graduated from Patton High School in 1947. He married Geneva Seabaugh Oct. 21, 1950. In 1962 the family moved from Granite City to Grandview.

Roy's career with Manley Inc. of Kansas City, Mo., brought him the title of the "Popcorn Man." He loved to travel throughout the United States both with his job and for pleasure with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Geneva, of 57 years; a daughter, Pamela Pinkerton and husband Michael of Grandview; twin sons, Gary of Plainfield, Ill., Terry of Raymore, Mo.; and two grandchildren, Sean and Allison Pinkerton of Grandview.

He had a great faith in God and served in many capacities as board president at Belvidere United Methodist Church in Grandview.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Longview Funeral Home Chapel, 12700 S. Raytown Road, Kansas City, Mo., 64149.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the church or to K.C. Hospice House.

Announcement courtesy of McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.