Edgar A. Downing, 87, East Topsham, VT, died on Friday February 10, 2023 at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington, VT.   He was born at home in East Topsham, VT on June 22, 1935, to Albert Sr. and Emma (Stevens) Downing, one of 15 children.  He attended local schools through the 8 ^th grade, leaving early to go to work and help support the family, and, when old enough he joined the US Army.

Edgar received a hardship discharge under honorable conditions to return home and care for his siblings.  He worked at the Duncan Miller Sawmill as a sawyer and in the woods logging.  In later years he was a self-employed carpenter.  Most will remember Edgar for his service to the community.  He was the Chief of the Tri-Village Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years and was a member in good standing at the time of his death. Working hard to make ends meet Edgar understood what it meant to make do with less, which made him the perfect person to serve as the welfare officer for the Town of Topsham for several years.  Edgar enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on his camp.  He could often be found with his loving dog Harley at his side.

Edgar is predeceased by his parents; his wife Nanetta W. (Crown) Downing, a great-granddaughter, Kaia Jean Myers; three brothers, Jamie Downing, George Downing, and Donald Downing; five sisters, Alberta Sweet, Shirley Montandon, Patricia Flint, Irene Wilson, and Jessie Gilman; and a son-in-law, Raymond Nickles Jr.  He is survived by a son, Wendell E. Downing; two daughters, Rebecca F. Downing and Laura M. Nickles; nine grandchildren, Crystal, Heidi, Eric, Ralynn, Benjamin, Lindsay, Ashleigh, Dakota, and Bradley; 17 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Albert Downing Jr., Richard Downing, and Dusty Downing; three sisters, Janice Emerson, Joyce Meyette, and Sharon Emerson; as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Calling hours will be on Friday February 17, 2023, from 6-8PM at Ricker Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Woodsville, 1 Birch St. Woodsville, NH.  A funeral service with Brent Smith as celebrant will be Saturday February 18, at 1PM also at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Groton Village Cemetery, Cemetery Rd. Groton, VT, on Monday May 1 ^st at 10AM.