Remembering Dero Debois “Dee” Downing: An Inspirational Life Well Lived
Bowling Green, Kentucky – The community is mourning the loss of Dero Debois “Dee” Downing, a former FBI agent, sports enthusiast, and beloved educator, who passed away after a brief illness on July 23, 2024. Dee was born on May 12, 1947, to parents Dero and Harriet Downing. He had a big heart, grounded in his faith and family values. Many remember him for his belief in the power of second chances, which was deeply embedded in his daily life.
Dee attended The Training School and was a graduate of College High School. He further completed his higher studies, bagging a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree in Education, and a Rank I from Western Kentucky University. Downing’s love for sports earned him star player status in basketball and baseball at College High. He then continued his passion for baseball at WKU.
Following his teaching career, Dee served with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as an agent for an impressive 20 years. He tried his hand at varied career paths before finding his cause rekindled at Warren County Regional Juvenile Detention Center. The end of his career saw him making his mark at the Bowling Green Learning Center, contributing to the graduation of at least 150 students. A number of these students credit him for transforming their lives.
Downing managed to forge a sense of family wherever he went. Be it his Arkansas workmates, his colleagues at the detention center, or his church peers at Broadway United Methodist Church. At the heart of it all was his devotion to his family. Downing is survived by his wife, children, and grandkids whose accomplishments brought him immense pride.
Known for his knack of using personal experiences to help others through their struggles, Downing was ever direct, yet never judgmental. His aim was to help others learn to carve their own paths. His humor, however dry it might be, was inclusive, as he wanted everyone in on the laughter.
Dee is now survived by his wife, Terri, daughters Carrie King (Jeff), Alexandria Downing, and Megan Rorex; his son Jake Rorex (Barbara); grandchildren Austin King, Jonathan Pulliam, and Tiffany Hladki-Hudspeth. He is also survived by his multiple siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Downing’s cherished life will be celebrated at Broadway United Methodist Church in Bowling Green, on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a service.
The Johnson Vaughn Phelps Funeral Home has been charged with the arrangements. Those wishing to express their sympathy can consider contributions to the Dero (Dee) and Terri Downing Scholarship Fund, College Heights Foundation, 1703 Chestnut Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101.
