David W. Downing, 66, of Peru, passed away at 6:49 PM, Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Ft. Wayne, IN. He was born in Peru, IN, on September 30, 1959, the son of Francis J. and Mary Jo Oates Downing. David was a 1977 graduate of Peru High School and attended Vincennes University. He was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church and worked as a customer relations manager at Indiana Beach. David was a great animal lover, especially cats, having had a cat in his home for many years. He volunteered at the Scratching Post Cat Rescue in his free time, helping the many cats that were looking for their new homes. David enjoyed traveling and had lived in several states and cities throughout his life. He had a longtime passion for amusement parks and had visited many all over the country. David returned to Peru and lived the last 12 years in his hometown. He enjoyed going to nearby casinos occasionally and always loved playing the lottery, hoping for a big win. David had an active YouTube page (MiamiCOIndiana) that featured videos he produced related to how-to, nearby locations, and product reviews. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. David is survived by his father Francis Downing of Peru; a brother Steven (Jennifer) Downing of Westfield; a sister Beth (Virgil) Barker of Peru; nieces and nephews, Sarah (Nick) Moss, Nicholas Downing, Jason (Roxy) Fread, and Amy Fread; and great-nieces and nephews, Fiona Fread and Dylan Fread. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Jo Downing. A service celebrating the life of David W. Downing will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Eikenberry Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St. Peru, with Virgil Barker officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Family and friends will gather for visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Tuesday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the funeral home to the Scratching Post Cat Rescue, Inc.