Hometown: Lexington, KY
Position: C Playing Height: 6-1
Date of Birth: November 29, 1886
Date of Death: October 20, 1967
Additional Photos: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Kentucky Career Notes:
Father-in-law of Kentucky player John DeMoisey
| Season | Games Played | Statistics |
|---|---|---|
| 1907-08 | - | Insufficient Data |
| Total | Insufficient Data |
Obituary - Illness Is Fatal to Dr. Downing, Lexington Herald (October 21, 1967)
Dr. Downing former head of the department of mathematics and astronomy at UK retired from the University in 1956.
A native of Fayette County, he was a son of the late William F. and Mary Elizabeth Hardesty Downing.
Dr. Downing received his bachelor's degree in engineering from UK in 1908, and both his master's degree, in 1916, and his Ph.D. degree, in 1929, from the University of Chicago.
He had been associated with the University of Kentucky since 1908. During his career there, he had been instrumental in the formation of a mathematics library and the promotion, erection and equipping of the old UK Astronomical Observatory.
Dr. Downing also was former coach of the UK tennis team. In 1946, he received a tribute in the form of a public presentation of a bronze plaque from former tennis players and other friends.
He served on the board of governors of the Mathematics Association of America, and also was a member of several other professional societies, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Association of University Professors and the University of Kentucky Research Club. He also was a member of numerous honorary societies.
Dr. Downing published many scientific papers and reviews.
Honors he had received included those of Outstanding Alumnus, Pi Kappa Alpha, Omega Chapter; a Special Award from Nu Circle, ODK, and a "Disciples Citation for Outstanding Achievement and Services in Lay Churchmanship," sponsored by Transylvania College.
Dr. Downing was a member and former elder of Central Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Lilla Ott Downing; two daughters, Mrs. John R. DeMoisey and Mrs. John P. Meyers, both of Lexington and four grandchildren, Mrs. Robert Steffer, Oklahoma City, Okla., and Mrs. John H. Bennett, John Chandler DeMoisey and John Downing Meyers, all of Lexington.
The body was taken to the W.R. Milward Mortuary -- Broadway, where friends may call from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
