Oren Markus Downing Obituary (1945 - 2017)

Oren Markus Downing (Mark) 8-22-45 to 8-12-17 Mark was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico 8-22-45 and he was called to be with Jesus at his home in Oracle, AZ on 8-12-17. He is survived by his wife Colleen M. Downing, 2 daughters Lisa (Robert) Camponovo and Lorinda (Mark) Navarro, 4 grandchildren Anthony (Kayli) Hill, Serena (Joshua) Jelinek, Nicholas Navarro and Monique Navarro, and 4 great grandchildren Ethan Hill, Caleb Hill, Gracie Jelinek and Joshy Jelinek. Mark's greatest love was Jesus and his desire was that all he met would come to acceptance of Jesus as their Savior, that they would grow in Christ, immerse themselves in the Word of God and practice the unity that is clearly written by the Apostle John in the Gospel of John chapter 17:20-26. Jesus said the following in His prayer to His Father just before His betrayal and crucifixion and subsequent resurrection: "I do not pray for these alone, but for those who will believe in me through their word; that they all may be one, as You Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be one is Us, that the world may believe that you have sent Me. And the glory which you gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that you have sent Me, and have loved them as you have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You, and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." Mark's other interests included playing the guitar and making his own music, fishing, hunting, 4-wheeling, inventing, chess, painting, writing. and spending time with his family. One of his accomplishments was the book that he wrote and finished just recently, which he titled "ONE, Everlasting to Everlasting, the Great Mystery of Christ"There was a private family burial at the Oracle Cemetery, Oracle, Arizona. On August 27, 2017 there was a Celebration of Life memorial held in his honor at his home that he shared with his wife Colleen of 53 years. It was attended by very dear friends and family.