The funeral for William L. Downing, 93, of Falcon Heights, will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Unity Church, 733 Portland Ave., St. Paul.
He was a World War II hero, scientist, professor, environmental commissioner, author, and lover and protector of lakes and natural ecosystems. He was gregarious, well-informed, inquisitive, witty, kind and interested in others. He was well-liked and is fondly remembered by those who knew him.
He lost his wife of 60 years, Betsy, in 2006. He is survived by two daughters, Deborah (Philip) Gelbach and Elizabeth (George) Colburn; a son, John (Marcia); four granddaughters; and three great-grandsons.
