Former Harvard resident, active in Federation of the Blind

Freeman B. Downing, 76, of Keene, N.H., died Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010, at the Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro, Vt.

Freeman was born Feb. 15, 1934, in Westford, son of Edward Almon and Sara Pearl (Green) Downing. He grew up in Westford and attended local schools, including Westford Academy. On May 30, 1960, he married Elizabeth Sheehan at St. Theresa's Church in Harvard.

Freeman, who was legally blind for many years, was an award-winning race-car builder and car restorer. He was very active in the National Federation of the Blind and in past years served as president of the Lowell Chapter, was a member of the Lawrence Chapter, and was president of the Monadnock Chapter in New Hampshire until 2009, after which he remained an active member.

He was also a member of the Concord Coach Society, the Atlantic Old-Timers Auto Racing Club, a lifetime member of the B.P.O.E. in Chelmsford, and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus in Nashua, N.H., as well as a member of the 60+ Club in Harvard.

Freeman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his daughter, Sarah E. Downing and her husband, Peter Kenney, of Walpole, N.H.; two sons, Thomas E. Downing and his wife, Maria, of Lakewood, Calif., and Daniel W. Downing and his wife, Sylvie, of Merrimack, N.H.; six grandchildren, one great-grandchild; a brother-in-law, John Sheehan, of Harvard; and many other extended-family members. He was predeceased by his three brothers and one sister.

A memorial Mass will be held Sept. 18 at St. Margaret Mary Church on Arch Street in Keene, N.H. Private graveside services will be held at a later date. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Federation of the Blind of New Hampshire, 100 Base Hill Road, Keene, NH, 03431.