Clifford Alden Downing, Jr., who most knew as C.J., departed this life on January 28, 2023, at the young age of 26. He lived in Olathe, Kansas, and had been employed with FedEx for the last three years and worked his way up to his current position as training manager.
He was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on October 10, 1996, the son of Clifford Alden “Par” Downing, Sr. and Catreece (Williams) Downing. He graduated from Atchison High School, where he was crowned Homecoming King in 2015. C.J. was a man of many talents. He was in numerous plays while in school including Greece and Tarzan at AHS and was also very active at the Theatre Atchison. Not only was acting important to him, he was part of the show choir at AHS and Highland Community College.
We could talk all day about C.J. and the things and people he loved! He was very into lots of different music. He was a fun, outgoing person who never met a stranger – he could strike up conversation with anyone! Although sometimes we never understand why some of those we love have to leave so soon, the memories of C.J. will last forever in our hearts.
CJ is loved and will be missed by so many, but especially by his mom, Catreece Downing; four sisters, Charissa (Michael) Downing, Ashley (Mario) Downing, Lexus Downing, Brooklyn Downing; three brothers, Tyson (Shelbie) Downing, Noah (Joelle) Jamvold, Cougar Downing; uncles, Matthew “Cougar” Downing (Leslie), Jaurrice Downing, Theotis Williams, Jr., Dominic Williams; aunts, Shauna Downing, Shaye Downing, Sher Downing; and his maternal grandmother, Ruthie Williams. C.J. has two Godchildren, Ivory Jean Bird, Avery Ann’marie Bird and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
His life will be celebrated on Sunday, February 19, 2023, beginning with a visitation from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral home and a service beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Second Christian Church 700 M St Atchison, Kansas.
