Eugene J. Downey, Jr.

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 brother, 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 may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Ave. Ste. 310, White Plains, NY 10605 www.lls.org  or Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 922 E. Colfax Ave., South Bend, IN 46617.

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: www.hanleyandsonsfuneralhomes.com

The HANLEY & Sons Funeral Home “Southwest Chapel” handled arrangements and extend its deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Downey family.

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