Charles Downin was born in 1924, and graduated with the Sidney High School Class of 1941. He was drafted into the U. S. Army early in World War II and served valiantly in the difficult European campaigns, completing his service with five Battle Stars and the Bronze Star Award given for his meritorious service in the D-Day Invasion in France.
After being discharged from the Army in October of 1945 he went to work in Scintilla in Sidney, rising to the position of Supervisor of the company's Maintenance Department. His early volunteerism led him to take charge of the Sidney Center Cub Scout program, and become a longtime active member of the Sidney Center Methodist Church. Always concerned for the future of his community, he was a member and chairman of the Town of Sidney Planning Committee and a member of the Board of Education member for the Sidney Central School system. Charles Downin also served as a member of the Town of Sidney Grievance and Tax Review Board for over ten years, dealing with taxpayer complaints and was exceptionally proud to be chosen Chairman of the Town of Sidney Bicentennial Celebration in 1978.
Charles was a longtime member of the Sidney American Legion, serving as its Commander and Chaplain, helping to raise many thousands of dollars for the Post's Community activities. He saw the need for Veterans to be transported, free of charge, to the V.A. Hospital in Albany five days a week, helped raise the money to buy a used van, and got five people to volunteer to drive the van. Eventually he and others were able to raise $10,000 for a new van. This development inspired other communities to also develop free transport lines for veterans. He also volunteered regularly in the VA hospitals in Oxford and Albany.
While in the Veterans' Home in Oxford, Charles contributed editorial material to the Echo, a popular Oxford Veteran's Home newspaper, often running his wheel chair up and down the hallways delivering the newspaper and in his spare time he worked in the Gift Shop at the Veterans' Home.
In 2002, Charles Wesley Downin felt strongly that he had a duty to provide for and protect his family, to be a contributing member of his community, to support friends and fellow man when in need. His life was a model of character, integrity and unselfish service to others.