Earl Downey

Earl Downey was born October 3, 1919, at Bethany, Missouri, the son of Ida Belle Downey. Earl grew up in Bethany. During his employment years, he lived in Kansas City, Kansas, retiring to Pomona in 1985, where he made his home, until his death Thursday, September 16, 2004, at the age of eighty-four years. He was a brakeman for GATX in the Argentine Rail yard in Kansas City, Kansas, forty-two years, retiring in 1980. He served in the United States Army from 1941 to 1943, during World War II. He was a Private First Class in the infantry division, serving a tour of duty in the Aleutian Islands. Earl was an outdoorsman. He enjoyed gardening and working in his yard. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. On November 19, 1943, Earl was united in marriage with Loleta Gillespie at Kansas City, Kansas. She survives of their home. He is also survived by three sons, Fred Downey of Ottawa, Kansas, Mike Downey of Bonner Springs, Kansas, Victor Downey of Owasso, Oklahoma; two daughters, Doris Lewis of Pomona, Kansas, Connie Dennett of Denver, Colorado; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; and, several nieces and nephews. Mr. Downey is preceded in death by his parents. SERVICES: A private family service will be held. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Don Phillips. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Downey at Dengel & Son Mortuary from 5 to 9:00 p.m. Saturday and 1to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, where the family will meet with friends from 4 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. CEMETERY: Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Midland Hospice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.