Matthew M. Downing, 51, of Peoria, passed away at 3:43 p.m. on Sunday, April 11, 2010, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born in Peoria on April 30, 1958, a son of Roger D. and Janet M. (Maynard) Downing. They survive. Matt is also survived by his siblings, Kathleen Downing of Ft. Pierce, FL, Michael Downing of East Peoria, Randal (Melinda) Downing of Wyoming, Mark (Jennifer) Downing of Pekin and David (Trina) Downing of Peoria; great aunt, Cordelia Howe of Peoria; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and dearest friend, Celeste Stimeling of Peoria. He was a graduate of St. Vincent de Paul Grade School and Richwoods High School, both in Peoria. Matt was an auto body technician for the family business, Downing’s Campustown Autobody, Inc. He loved hiking, fishing, landscaping, boating, water skiing, going to Matthiessen State Park, Starved Rock State Park or any other lake, park or woods. He liked dancing and listening to old Country music, Irish music, John Denver and Willie Nelson. He enjoyed collecting coins and Avon cologne cars. Matt especially loved spending time with his family and friends. He was always willing to help others and was a very selfless person. He always lit-up a room when he entered. He was also a longtime member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Matt will be remembered as a very outgoing, loving, caring, wonderful, God-fearing, helpful and accountable man. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. A Funeral Liturgy will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 15, 2010, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 1010 South Louisa Street, in Peoria, with Fr. Terry Cassidy officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in West Peoria. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Matt’s memory to Rescue 33 in Chillicothe, the American Heart Association or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Matt gave in death, as he gave in life. Matt’s spirit will live on in the many lives he will touch through tissue donation.
Andra... I KNOW Matt was in love with you...he always said "I wasn't lookin... she came to me. I KNOW MATT IS STILL LOVING AND LOOKING OVER YOU AND ALLIE!!!! No one will ever convince me differently!!! Love you girl!!! I consider you a very good friend ...those were the last words he said "you're really going to like her she likes to laugh just like you"!!! verbatim
So hard to sum up how special he was in just a few words. Uncle Matt had such an infectious laugh and always a story or joke to tell. I'll never forget the family get togethers in the summer where one of us were always thrown in the pool at my grandparents house and Matt was always there...front and center of the action. So thankful for our relationship that especially grew in the last few months. Matt and I had an awsome connection and I never realized how big of a piece of my heart he really had until now. Thanks you to all who came to the visitation/funeral to show your support. It was such a privilege to be his niece.
To Matts Family and friends, he was such a blessing to all of us here on earth that had the priviledge to know him.He was a kind,considerate,sharing,empathetic,warm,overall angel on earth.
I admired him and how he always spoke so highly of his family.and i never heard an unkind word out of him.even with problems as we all have,he found growth and serenity,and shared the love and laughter he had with us in recovery.He will be missed soooo very much.His spirit with stay with me till the end of my days.I know he is up in heaven laughing and saying to us all...its awesome and i am waiting for you all up hear.i can see him in a vision of him skipping and laughing in a beautiful field of flowers..freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. I love you buddy!
Matt was such an awesome man! I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. His smile and laughter were so infectious; his stories so funny, yet usually spiritual. I'll never forget the day he fixed up my bent, scraped car that had been hit in front of my house, just out of the goodness of his warm, loving heart. He brought it back with a smile and surprised me with a car that no longer looked like junk. What a guy!! And I was so inspired when I heard him tell his story...his family and friends will be missing him for the rest of their lives. I know I will.
Matt was one of the best people I have ever known. His compassion, smile, and desire to be the best that he could be was truly an inspiration. He always made me smile, even through my tears. I could call him for anything and if he could be there for me or help me he did. I met his beautiful new gal and could see the sparkle and love in his eyes. What a gift Matt was to so many people. I will always remember what a special man he was in my life and how much he meant to me. I will miss cutting up with him and the special sarcastic humor we shared. I always admired how Matt was so good to Celeste in spite of their going their separate ways. Too bad it can't always be like that. Matt was a role model for mankind. To his family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I love you Matt.
| Robert Watson |
Truly Missed |
December 21, 2015 |
Matt will truly be missed. He shared his knowledge and passion with my son, Julian, and I will be forever grateful. May the family find comfort in knowing that this young man touched the lives of persons of all walks of life and carried that smile always.
| Mary A Gagliardi-Morris |
Wonderful Friend |
May 17, 2010 |
I've just heard of his passing. I was a real close friend of Randy and Matt. We will miss his laugh and humor. He was an awsome man and a wonderful friend. He came to my sister's funeral last October. I hope his family is okay and may God bless them. Love you Matt, you where much like a brother to me.
Love ya,
Mary A Gagliardi-Morris
| David pickren |
Matt |
April 28, 2010 |
Dear Family
I was very sorry to hear of Matts passing.I havent seen matt for about a year but he was a great guy and a good friend. I just found out about his passing today. sorry I
was not there for the funeral. The world has lost a great person and he will be greatly missed.
Sincerly
David Pickren
| Steve at Shell |
From a Friend |
April 21, 2010 |
Dear Dowing Family: So sorry to hear about Matt. Krystle and i were shocked to hear about your loss, please accept our condolences. We will miss him coming into the station, always with something cheerful to say. I think nearly everyone at some time or another bought a vechicle from him! Again, sorry ,and he will be missed.
| Shelly O'Kelley |
Sympathy |
April 18, 2010 |
Dear Downing Family,
I was so sad to hear of the passing of Matt. He always had a smile on his face and made me laugh. I had some good heart to heart talks w/Matt about struggles I had with my son. Matt had a big heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I know that Matt will be truly missed. May God bring you Peace in this difficult time.
