Charles O. Downing

Charles O. Downing, 80, of Bronson, IA passed away peacefully Friday, November 20, 2015 at his home after a short struggle with cancer. Services will be 10:30 Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Homes in Sioux City. Visitation will be 4 to 8 Monday, with family present 6 to 8 at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oto Cemetery, Oto, IA.
Charles was born July 23, 1935 in Sioux City, Iowa the son of George & Etta Downing. He was raised and educated in Oto, graduating from Oto High School in 1954. Charles did odd jobs for farmers around the Oto and Akron areas until joining the law enforcement field.
He spent 40 years in law enforcement work, working at North Sioux City, South Dakota Police Department and was a Woodbury County Deputy Sheriff for 6 ½ years, reaching the rank of sergeant and was a jail supervisor. He started the K-9 program for Woodbury County. Charles was also the first Chief of Police in Sergeant Bluff, retiring in 1997.
Charles married Sandra Pollock to which one adopted son, one son and one daughter were born. He later married Danise Harrison and later Kesy Groves.
Those left to mourn his passing include his 2 sons, Charles Michael (Julie) Downing of Denison, IA and Bradley (Kaia) Downing of Sioux City, IA; six grandchildren, Shelby and Jordan Downing, Joshua (Marisol), Shae and Nissa Downing, and Rachel Martinez; 3 great-grandchildren; one sister, Lily Mae Ronfeldt; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Carla; two brothers, Roy and an infant brother; seven sisters, Frances, Maxine, Georgetta, Mary, Marguerite, Emma and Anita; eight brothers-in-law; three nieces and two nephews.
Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Siouxland.