Memorial Day: Remembering Robert Downing

The American Legion Post 17 at 1901 Harlan Street in Edgewater

This Memorial Day, as we remember those who died in service to this country, we remember Robert Downing, one of Edgewater’s own, who died while serving in World War II. The American Legion Post 17 (1901 Harlan Street, Edgewater) was named in honor of Downing’s sacrifice to this country.

A newspaper obituary informed the community of Robert Downing’s death:

Twenty-six year old Robert Franklin Downing, seaman second class, was killed aboard ship on November 11, 1942, and is buried on Tulagi. He was the only one of these five boys who was in the Navy. Young Downing was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Downing, 3205 Chase, long-time residents of the Edgewater community. He graduated from the Edgewater High School in 1939, and enlisted in the Navy in August 1942. After receiving his boot training at Santiago, California, he left for overseas the following September on the U.S.S. New Orleans. Two brothers, Coxswain Virgil Downing and S 2/C Doyle Downing survive.

At the start of World War II, Edgewater had a population of 1,648 residents and approximately 400 men and women served their country during the war. Robert Downing was one of twelve Edgewater residents who served in the war and gave the ultimate sacrifice.

This Memorial Day we remember the sacrifice of Robert Downing and so many others who died for the freedom that we experience.

Source: Edgewater Colorado: A Centennial Celebration by Celora Jean Jones and Connie Jo Fox (2001)

Joel Newton

Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.