James Murray Downing

James Murray Downing, age 92, of Ellis, passed away Monday, February 8th in Phoenix. He was born on July 4, 1917 in Kansas City, Missouri to James Michael and Frances Thornton (Buckner) Downing. He married Mary Alice Steelsmith on December 30, 1950 in Topeka, KansasMurray was involved in the banking industry for over 60 years. During that time he had owned banks throughout Kansas, Missouri and Colorado. He was the President and owner of Ellis State Bank for thirty plus years. He had also worked for the State Banking Department during his working career. He was a US Army veteran serving during WWII where he attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant serving with the 82nd Airborne. He was a past president of the Ellis Chamber of Commerce, Ellis Country Club and Ellis Rotary. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Isis Shrine Temple, Ellis Industrial Corp. and Christ Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife, Mary Alice of Ellis, a son, Michael Downing and wife Jane of Ellis, three daughters, Sarah Downing of Pagosa Springs, CO., Janis Hodgson and husband Kim of ?? and Kathleen Milldrum and husband Steve of Phoenix. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Ryan Downing, Cade, Trent, Lorrel and Brennan Hodgson.He was preceded in death by a sister, Frances Thornton Downing.Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Saturday at Christ Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery with military honors by the Ellis VFW.Visitation will be on Friday 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at Christ Lutheran Church, Ellis. A Prayer Service will be at 6:30 P.M. on Friday. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th, Ellis. Memorial contributions are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home.











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