Dr. Carl E. Downing

Dr. Carl Downing, longtime Okahoma educator, died May 14, at age 84. Carl was born February 2, 1930 to Rachel Dotson and Carl Downing in Rentiesville, OK. From his public schooling in Punkin Ridge & Checotah, OK, and Watsonville, CA, he went on to higher education studies at Northeastern State University and Oklahoma State University. At OSU, he earned his Ed.D. degree in 1963 and continued a lifelong career of teaching in the Elementary Education Department at the University of Central Oklahoma. He taught courses in elementary science and math, curriculum development, and multicultural education. He also presented workshops in science, aerospace, and Indian Education. Among his achievements, Carl was selected as chair of the Oklahoma Delegation to the White House Conference on Indian Education. He was a delegate to the Cherokee Constitutional Convention as well as a member of the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission. In addition, he served on the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and was a member of the National Education Association (NEA) Minority Affairs committee. Carl served as the president of the Oklahoma Education Association. He was also a consultant to the United States Office of Education on the task force for Indian Education. Carl was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards including: the Oklahoma Democratic Party Carl Albert Award, the Oklahoma Democratic Party Activist Award, the Oklahoma Education Association’s Kate Frank Award for rendering courageous and significant service to advancing teacher welfare rights and professionalism, the NEA Leo Reano Award for leadership and profoundly impacting education for American Indian and Alaskan Native students, and the Making Mathematics Work for Minorities Award from the National Academy of Science. As a professor at UCO, Carl followed his passion of contributing to education, especially advocating the education of Indian children. Selected by the NEA, Carl represented the United States as a guest of the Japanese teaching union. Additionally, he served on the Oklahoma Democratic Party Central Committee and Affirmative Action Committee. A firm believer in charitable and community service, Carl directed the Feed the Hungry program, a collaborative project with Leland Clegg and NW Christian churches. In addition, he volunteered for the Clegg mobile meals program, was president of the Clegg Men’s Breakfast program, and served as a Tornado Relief volunteer. Carl also enjoyed his service at the Oklahoma History Center, the Oklahoma Democratic Party, and the Mental Health Association board. Carl married Debbie Hogue-Downing in July 1983. They enjoyed 30+ years of happiness. He is survived by his wife Debbie; daughter, Carla Downing of Oklahoma City; son, Trae Downing, Ph.D. of Sartell, MN; and granddaughter Nicole Downing of Sartell, MN. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law Barbara Jenkins and her spouse Newt Jenkins along with four nieces and nephews; Anna Jenkins & Family, Amber Balk & Family, Rick Jenkins & Family, and Sam Jenkins. He will be missed by a host of cousins and friends as well. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 18, 3:00 P.M. at Leland Clegg United Methodist Church, 102 E. Hefner Rd., Oklahoma City, 73114. Memorial donations may be made to Oklahoma State University Foundation/Dotson-Downing Scholarship Fund at P.O. Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076-1749; University of Central Oklahoma Foundation at 100 N. University Dr., Box 133, Edmond, OK 73034; or Leland Clegg United Methodist Church at 102 E. Hefner Rd., OKC, OK 73114. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. Carl E. Downing please visit our Sympathy Store.