Eugene J. Downey Jr.
July 30, 1935 - Dec. 7, 2015
NILES - Eugene J. Downey Jr., 80, passed away December 7th at West Woods of Niles after an extended illness with his loving family by his bedside.
He was born in Dowagiac, MI, on July 30, 1935, to the late Eugene and Lucille (Wetzel) Downey Sr. His mother, Lucille, died when he was five years old. His father married Wanda Leach and together they raised Eugene and his brothers and sisters..
On December 15, 1961, Eugene married Dolores Jean Corkins in Grand Rapids, MI, who survives..
Mr. Downey is survived by his loving wife, Dolores; their daughter, Pamela (Jim) McLean, Baroda, MI; their sons, Jeffery Downey, Phoenix, AZ, Blake (Rita) Downey, Baroda, MI, and Eric (Teri) Downey, South Bend, IN. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren whom he loved and cherished. He is also survived by two sisters, Judy and Pat; and three brothers, Marvin, Terry and Tim..
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Tom and Larry..
Eugene loved to go fishing, bowling, being on the computer, and especially enjoyed being a coach for the Special Olympics and being with his family and friends. In the past he served as a church deacon..
He was proud to serve his country in the U.S. Navy and especially loved the Aircraft Carrier USS Leyte on which he served.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions be made to
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 12th, at 11:00 AM at the First Church of God, 33180 U.S. 12, Niles, MI, with Pastor Bob Jackson officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, MI..
Condolences may be expressed online through our website: .
The HANLEY & Sons Funeral Home “Southwest Chapel” handled arrangements and extends its deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Downey family.
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