Paul Arthur Downing

Our beloved Paul Arthur Downing, of Billings, passed away on Thursday, Aug, 18, 2022.

Paul was born in 1937 in Sacramento, California. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in botany. He served in the United States Army Reserve, specializing in military intelligence and psychological operations. Paul later went on to study forestry and joined the L.A. County Fire Dept. specifically prescribed fire. Paul retired in Montana, where he met Barbara and they were married in 1998.

Paul enjoyed many hobbies: woodworking, stained glass, archery, cooking, and was passionate about making rosaries to give to organizations in need.

Paul is survived by his wife Barbara and her children; son David Frederick and his wife Marisa and their children Juan Benavides, Carlos Benavides, Nina Benavides, Leah Frederick, Braeden Frederick and Tanesha Frederick; son Tom Frederick and his children Kyer Frederick, Karina Frederick and Jacob Frederick; daughter Jennifer Frederick; and his sister Mary Jo and her husband, Ray Toomey. He was preceded in death by grandson Anthony Frederick (Tom’s child) and son James Frederick.

Paul is especially remembered for his giving nature, feisty spirit, his conservative values and his deep love and connection to his wife Barbara.

A vigil will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., with a viewing beginning at 5 p.m. Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2055 Woody Drive. Burial will follow services at Mountview Cemetery. A light reception will be held at Willowbrook Barn, 414 S. 64th St. West.