Read Shawn Christopher Downing's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Shawn Christopher Downing

Sneads Ferry, NC

March 31, 1971 - November 7, 2022

Mar 31, 1971 - Nov 7, 2022

In lieu of flowers

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to H2O Ministries, Inc.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

Shawn Christopher Downing, Age 51, died unexpectedly on November 7, 2022 of natural causes.

Shawn was born on March 31, 1971 in Putnam, CT to William Downing, Jr and Joann Bowen. He attended Putnam High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army.

Sergeant Shawn Downing was a veteran of the Gulf War, where he earned several medals, including two Bronze Stars, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, and the Southwest Asia Service medal. While deployed to Iraq, Shawn was with 1st COSCOM. When he returned, he was part of the 3rd Special Forces Group based out of Fort Bragg, NC. After his service, Shawn worked in the construction field in various states. He finally settled down in Sneads Ferry, NC so he could be close to his son, daughter, and grandchildren.

He is survived by his mother, Joann Bowen, and leaves behind his two children, Dustyn Downing (Brittany) of Jacksonville, NC and Jamie Downing Hayes, currently stationed in Germany with her husband Willard. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren, Fox, Reagan, Mya, Ayden, Harley, & Quinn Downing and Grayson, Braydon & Anderson Hayes. He is also survived by his sister, Laurie (Richard) Postemsky, three brothers, Thomas (Carolyn) Lima, Donald Lima, and William (Heike) Downing, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Beau Downing and his father.

Shawn had a way of blowing in and out of our lives but stayed a constant force. It was impossible not to love him. He was proud of his service to our country and loved his children and grandchildren fiercely. He was a steadfast New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan. He loved spending his time following his sports teams, and most of all, spoiling his grandchildren and beloved dog, Athena.

Services will be held Wednesday, Nov 16, 2022 at 1 PM at Salem Baptist Church, 198 Sneads Ferry Rd, Sneads Ferry NC 28460

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to H2O Ministries, Inc, 2449 NC Hwy 172, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460 http://www.h2oministries.org; or to a charity of your choice.