Mr. Clarence Ray Downing, 73, of Navasota passed away Friday, February 7, 2014, at the Christus Dubuis Hospital in Bryan. Visitation with the family will be Monday, February 10th from 5:30-7:30pm at Nobles Funeral Chapel. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, February 11th at 11:00am at the First United Methodist Church of Navasota with the Rev. C. McAllister “Mac” Vaughn officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Nobles Funeral Chapel.
Clarence was born in Houston on June 17, 1940, the son of Elbert & Arlena Downing. He married Beth Fair on August 17, 1963, in Hunt, TX. Mr. Downing worked many years as a C.P.A. before retiring.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Mary Elizabeth “MeMe” Downing.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Beth Downing of Navasota; son Brad Downing and wife Jenny of Navasota; and granddaughter Kaley Elizabeth Downing.
Serving as pallbearers are Russell Richards of Dallas, Nic Richards of Houston, Gordon Langston of Lufkin, Bill Hertenberger and Brad Downing, both of Navasota, and Gordon McChristie of Spring.
Honorary pallbearers include Bill Miller, Gig Langston, Robert Richards, John Haynie Stoneham, Court Armstrong and BJ. Gruner.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Navasota, 616 E. Holland St., Navasota, TX 77868.