Howard R. Downing, 88, of Maranatha Village, Sebring, Fla., formerly of Titusville RD 3, died at 2:50 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, 1999, in Palms Health Care Center in Sebring, Fla. He had been a resident of the care center since April 10, 1998. Born March 11, 1911, in Oil City, he was a son of Charles and Laura BOYD Downing. He attended the Oil City area schools. Mr. Downing was employed by Pennzoil Refinery for 47 years, retiring in 1975. He was a member of the Hydetown Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and taught Sunday school for many years. Mr. Downing was married in Oil City on Sept. 25, 1937, to Lillian Maxine GATHERS, who died Oct. 13, 1984. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Russell (Roberta) HULL of Serbring, Fla.; six grandchildren, Brian Hull of Cincinnatus, N.Y., Roger Hull of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Gary Hull of Jamestown, Ohio, Joseph Downing Jr. and Janette Downing, both of Titusville RD 3, and Jeffrey Downing of Kansas City, Mo.; and seven great-grandchildren. He also is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Ruth SHONTZ of Oil City and Mrs. John (LIllian) CURRENT of Ava, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Downing was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Downing; a daughter, Joselyn K. Downing, who died in infancy; four brothers, Kenneth Downing, Charles Downing, Robert Downing and Harry Downing; and one sister, Mrs. Beatrice HECKATHORNE. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday in the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home, 303 N. Washington St., Titusville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Andrews, pastor of the Hydetown Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Jamison Corners Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hydetown Baptist Church, 12749 Main St., Hydetown, Pa. 16328.

 Carl M. Kiesel, 69, of 310 Pacific St., Franklin, died at 7:38 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, 1999, in UPMC Horizon, Greenville.

Velma M. Thummler, 90, of 455 Chestnut St., Meadville, sister of Walter BURKHARDT of Polk, died Tuesday, Oct. 19, 1999, in Meadville Medical Center.