Leonard Jerome Downing, son of Samuel and the late Patricia Downing Manning, was born January 21, 1953 in Plymouth NC. He departed this life Sunday, April 16, 2017. Leonard attended Washington County Public School System and graduated from Plymouth High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He also worked 10 years for the State of Illinois. Leonard was married the former Marie-France Brimant. There were no children born from this union. He was a unique individual especially to his family and friends. Leonard is survived by his son Leonard II, his daughter Vicenta both of San Antonio, TX; his father Samuel Manning of Plymouth, NC; two brothers, Vernon (Patricia) of Chesapeake, VA, Bradford of Ocala, FL; 3 sisters Claudia (Maurice) of Mc Kees Rocks, PA, Natalie of Oakdale, PA and Hope of Rolesville NC; 2 grandchildren Kira Marie Turner and Dranoel Jerome Downing, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends. Burial with full military honors Wednesday April 19, 2017 1:30PM at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery ~~~ To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heavens (Ecclesiastes 3:1)