Norman E. Downing, age 73 , was released from his earthly body to go home with the Lord on August 18, 2008 He grew up in Columbia City, Indiana and lived many years in Newton Falls, OH before moving to Lake Vista of Cortland, OH. Norm married Rachel Cox, December 22, 1968. They have two sons, Adam and Blaine. A lifelong educator, Norm helped establish the award winning T.A.M.P.E.E.L. outdoor education program in Trumbull County. He was director/teacher from 1973 until his retirement in 1996. Norm was a member of the Braceville Christian Church serving in many capacities within the Body of Christ. He loved his Lord and strived to pattern his life on Colossians 3 - 4:6. Reading, writing, woodworking and any activity in the out-of-doors brought Norm pleasure. He was an athlete, participating and coaching in many organized sports from public school through Sr. Olympics. He also enjoyed many individual sports always competing against himself. Memories will be treasured by his wife Rachel, Adam and Catherine Downing of Madison VA, Blaine Downing of Parma, OH, his sister and brother-in-law Donna and William Rafferty, four grandchildren - Emily, Megan, Nathan and Emma, his in-laws Robert E. Cox, Robert L. and Janet Cox and Martha and Ray Ross. His parents Floyd and Thelma Downing preceded him in death. Norm lived life with eager anticipation, fullness of purpose and courage in difficulty. His character was lastly refined in the fire of degenerative disease and even in death has once more contributed to life through Parkinson's research. The family thanks Lake Vista staff and Grace Hospice for the care and compassion given to Norm and his family. A memorial service will be held at the Braceville Christian Church on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 10:30AM. The family requests that, instead of flowers, memorial gifts* be made to Mid-India Christian Mission, Ghana Christian College or Pioneer Bible Translators-Jeff and Laura Wilhoit. *Checks can be made out to Braceville Christian Church, Memo: Norm Downing, and sent to: 4387 Church St. SW; Newton Falls, OH, 44444