Robert “Bob” Downing, 86, of Lawrenceville, NJ and Mesquite, NV, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 24, 2020.
Born in Virginia, he was a long-time resident of Trenton and Lawrenceville, as well as Mesquite, NV. Robert began his career with the United States Army Signal Corp. in 1957 and was honorably discharged in 1959 with the rank of sergeant. Robert worked as a Corrections Officer with the NJ Department of Corrections, before becoming a Patrolman then Detective with the Trenton Police Department. Robert served as the first black Undersheriff in the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office from 1989 to his retirement in 1999.
Robert was a member of the PBA Local #11, PBA Local #187, NJ State Retired Police and Fireman’s Association Mercer County Local #12, Fraternal Order of Police, National Black Police Officers Association, National Sheriff’s Association, and the National Association of Chiefs of Police.
As an active member of the community, Robert previously served as co-founder and President of the Brother Officers Law Enforcement Society (B.O.L.E.S.), President of the NJ Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs- Carver Center Branch, Board Member and Security Chief North 25, Chairman of the Senator Shirley K. Turner Golf Committee, Committeeman of Mercer County Democratic Committee, NAACP-Trenton Branch member, Right On Golf Association (ROGA) the Capital City Golf Club and the Elks Lodge #2811 (Mesquite, NV).
Affectionately known as “Bobby D” some of his hobbies included golf, bowling, acting in local plays in Nevada (Driving Ms. Daisy and Twelve Angry Men), watching the Dallas Cowboys and spending time with friends and family.
Robert was predeceased by his mother Viola Downing Moaning. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Downing; daughter Deborah Downing and daughter and son-in-law Jennifer Downing-Mathis and Lloyd Mathis; grandsons Michael Griffith, II, Kyle Griffith and Robert; special grandson Roman White; great-granddaughter Mya Griffith; sisters-in-law Helen Adams, Viola Pressley and Dorothy Pressley; special cousin Quinn Downing; special friends Senator Shirley Turner, Sheriff Jack Kemler, Joseph L. Bocchini, Jr., Esq., Lou Budike, Walter Rice, Ernie Lee; and special friends in Mesquite Mike and Sara Moore, Rose Tobierre, Teresa Schmidt, Cesar Mancillas, Keith and Gracie Russell, Phyllis Margolis, Tony, Julio Cesar, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Robert will be laid to rest in NJ. Arrangements are under the Campbell Funeral Home, Trenton, NJ.
Teri Nehrenz says
The absolute worst part of my job is to post obituaries they ALWAYS make me cry a little even when I don’t know the person, I have great empathy for those left behind.
There have been a few obituaries that I have posted which made me cry harder than most; Bobby D’s is one of them.
I will miss you and forever affectionately remember you as Uncle Henri. My Three Angels was my first time directing and your first time gracing the Mesquite Community Theatre Stage. Seeing you has made me smile every single time since that first day.
Lol… You are “The Judge” and “The Juror”. I love you Bobby D, Rest in peace and entertain the heavens!
I wonder if your man cave in heaven will be filled with license plates from all over the world.
Glen Bjornson says
Always the Foreman…
Teri Nehrenz says
He will eternally be able to take the stage, golf the courses and view the beaches in heaven.
Cristie Wursten says
He was such a true gentleman. Always friendly and happy. I will miss his hugs and sweet demeanor.
Pamela Mulligan says
My dear friend Bobby D He was one of the first people I met when I moved to Mesquite. I was walking by his house one day and he had the garage door open, music playing and he invited me in to his garage “Bar”. We sipped some beers told our life back stories and became quick friends. We shared a love of movies and we went all the time. He loved life, people and never met a stranger. He is in Heaven organizing a golf tournament starring in a play and bowling for fun while watching his beloved Cowboys play football. I will miss you my friend but know you are in good hands