Downing Family

Amity Downing Shedd wrote that her brother was brave, and met adversity with strength, humor, and resilience. He was not afraid of much – in the kitchen or in life. It is important to know what Josh went through to get a degree. He did not let his sickness define him. While constantly fighting illness, he was a full-time student at Southeast Missouri State University and also worked part-time in the kitchen of Saint Francis Medical Center, and later, as a chef at Ruby Tuesday restaurant. What initially was to be a degree in music education quickly became one in hospitality management. Josh was one of the first to graduate from this program. His years spent at Southeast were the best of his life. Josh’s creativity in the kitchen extended into what he hoped would become real-life endeavors, ranging from opening his own, unique restaurant, to being a Top Chef, to running a food truck. He inspired others to think the same – without limits. One concern of many students is money, and Josh would agree that is one thing you should not have to worry about when taking classes, working, and beginning your career as a hospitality professional. The Downing family hopes the Josh Downing Memorial Scholarship and Endowment Fund will help ease the financial burden on students as they discover their own talent and interests in the hospitality field.