Announcement is made of the engagement and approaching marriage of Carolyn S. Downing, Parsons, Kan., to Steven L. Ward, Pittsburg, Kan. Downing is the daughter of Donna Downing, of Parsons, and the late George Downing. Ward is the son of Jesse and Fay Ward, of Erie, Kan.

The wedding will take place at 2 p.m., on Sept. 23, 2006, at the Countryside Christian Church, 1901 E. 4th, Pittsburg, Kan. The family would welcome the presence of friends and relatives.

Bride-elect Downing, a 1993 graduate of Jayhawk Lynn, Mound City, Kan., attended Fort Scott Community College and graduated from Pittsburg State University, with a degree in early childhood special education. She is employed by Pittsburg Interlocal School Systems.

Prospective-groom Ward, a 1988 graduate of Erie High School, is employed as a machinist at Columbian Tech Tank in Parsons.