Kaleese Downing

Surrounded by her loving family, Kaleese Downing, 62 of Richland, Missouri passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2024, while in the Lake Regional Health System, Osage Beach, Missouri. Kaleese was born on February 8, 1962 to Denzel Dale Downing, Sr., and Jessie Josephine “J” (Wilson) Downing in Virginia. Kaleese, at age three, and due to her father’s military career, left Virginia going on to live in Germany, and in 1972 the family built their home in Richland, Missouri. Kaleese attended school and graduated from RHS in 1980. She had a strong desire to learn and sought to further her education. Kaleese studied at Central Methodist University from 1979-1982. She went on to study at Metropolitan State University of Denver, graduating from there in 1987. Kaleese obtained a “Master’s” of Art (M.A.) in Education from the University of Denver. She was a former General Educational Development Instructor (GED Instructor) at Lebanon R-3 School District, a former Substitute Teacher at Richland R-4 School District from 2017-2019; and also taught at Stoutland Elementary School from 2018-2019. Kaleese had a good work ethic and enjoyed people. She went on to work at Richland’s Family Dollar, and Town and Country as a cashier. Her other interests and hobbies included gardening, growing plants, being outdoors, fishing, art, and loved painting. Kaleese also enjoyed the fun and laughter during the Turkey Shoots at the American Legion. She was preceded in death by her father Denzel Sr. in 2015, her mother “J” in 2006, and one brother, “Dale” Jr. Kaleese will be lovingly remembered by her three children: Santana “Jas” Howe of Richland, MO, Cole Garrison Downing of Stoutland, MO, and Terrick Scruby of Dixon, MO; one grandson, Benji Phillips of Richland, MO; and Kaleese’s longtime companion, Warren Decker of Richland, MO; along with other relatives, and many friends. Kaleese was proud of her children and all of their accomplishments. She loved her family, especially her grandson. Anytime they could all be together were times cherished and treasured. Though her time on earth was brief, the memories she made with the people she loved and who loved her will last forever. Services were held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 10, 2024 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor John Peterson officiating. Special music included “Don’t Laugh at Me,” “Bye Mom,” “Country Roads,” and “This Ain’t Nothin” were played. Inurnment will be held in the Kinkead Cemetery of Warsaw, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Kaleese Downing and may be left at the funeral home.

Kaleese Downing

February 8, 1962 - June 5, 2024