Robert Kenneth Downing

Robert “Bobcat” Kenneth Downing, 83, of Silsbee, died Wednesday, February 8, 2023. He was born on December 3, 1939, in Tyler, to Ruth William Reeves Downing and Bennie Smith Downing.

Robert was a 1958 graduate of Beaumont High School.  Before graduating in 1958, he started serving in the Marine Corp and Reserve from 1958 until 1965 and was a member of the Golden Gloves Boxing.  He was known as “Bob Cat” at Mobil Chemical where he started working in 1961 until he retired in 1998.  During his spare time, he worked at his wife’s nursery.

Robert loved rock hunting, racing cars, Dallas Cowboys, traveling with his wife in their motor home, dog shows with their beloved Rottweiler, Bandeaux, and collecting books on military history, but most of all he loved filling his house with love, music, and laughter.  He could tell a story better than anyone and he never met a stranger.  Robert was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Survivors include his son, Robert Lynn Burkhead of Fred; daughters, Dena Roane and her husband, James, of Silsbee and Jill Downing-Brown and her husband, Bob, of Wimberley; grandchildren, Beau Burkhead; Justin Burkhead and his wife, Cindy; Gage Jones; and Brina Jones; five great-grandchildren; and brother, James Downing and his wife, Martha, of Lumberton.  He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Miriam Jeanette Stanley-Downing.

Robert’s committal was held by Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, Silsbee.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop, Beaumont, Texas 77705, or to your local Humane Society.