Dr. Charles (Chuck) Francis Downing was born June 21, 1931 in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Through the influence of an Erie Chiropractor, Dr. Ole Olson, he was persuaded to seek an education in the chiropractic profession.
Chuck and his brother, Edward, decided to head for Texas and both entered in the September 1950 class at Texas Chiropractic College.
After attending T.C.C. for three years, Chuck transferred and finished his Chiropractic education graduating from Logan Chiropractic College in St. Louis, Missouri.
Upon passing the state boards in Kansas and Pennsylvania, Chuck was called into the Army. He was a X-ray technician at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. When he got out of the service, he was enticed to go to mortuary college and joined his brother, Edward who had been operating a mortuary in San Antonio. Chuck completed his mortuary degree from Commonwealth College in Houston, Texas in 1957 and entered business with his brother.
In September 1960, Chuck married a San Antonio girl, Alene Raba, who was working as a buyer for Joske’s Department Store. They have a daughter, Dr. Tafi Lin (who is also a chiropractor), a son Patrick Kevin, and another daughter, Michelle Renee Downing Quiel. Arlene was also elected president of the American Chiropractic Association Auxiliary.
After his marriage, Chuck was encouraged by Dr. Julius Triolo, then President of the Texas Chiropractic College, to go back to college and qualify for a Texas Chiropractic license.
Chuck took Dr. Triolo’s advice and as he was finishing his basic science requirements he realized that he wanted to go into the chiropractic profession. After receiving his Texas license, he went into practice for eighteen months in Seguin. After eighteen months, Chuck began practicing in San Antonio.
The last year that the Texas Chiropractic College was in San Antonio, Chuck taught the freshman anatomy class. He was asked to continue on with the college in Pasadena but Chuck decided to stay in San Antonio.
Chuck became active in both local and state politics as well as professional activities. Like many doctors before him, he led district offices. Also, he coordinated with other professions’ support for elected state politicians for fifteen years.
Chuck was honored in 1971 by his Texas colleagues when he was awarded the “Young Chiropractor of the Year” plaque. After serving on many different committees and various state association elected offices, he was elected President of the Chiropractic Association for the year 1979-1980.
In 1982, Chuck was elected state delegate for the American Chiropractic Association. He was appointed on the student – A.C.A. committee and after a couple of years took over the chairmanship. While serving as the committee chairman, he put together a book containing the history, purpose and know how to run a meeting for the student officers.
In 1985, Chuck received the “Keeler Plaque” award, the Texas Chiropractic Association’s most prestigious award. This meant a great deal to him as it was a recognition from his colleagues that they appreciated his efforts.
In 1985, after much encouragement from many delegates, Chuck decided to run for a national office. He was elected Vice President of the Council of Delegates. After serving in that capacity and higher, he was elected President of the American Chiropractic in 1991 and again in 1992.
From 1992 -94, Chuck served on the Board of Governors as the Immediate Past President. Tasks were many and challenging but the friendships made and the places traveled more than compensated one for all those years of service.
I would like to add one thought in closing. When I arrived in San Antonio in 1950, I did not know a soul. Through people like you who are reading this article I was able to meet, love and help many who were in need. I have received far more from your friendship than I can ever repay you. Thank you for touching my life and allowing me to touch yours.
