Robert D. Downey, age 85, of Carbondale, died at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2008, in Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born in rural Jefferson County near Opdyke on Feb. 25, 1923, to Henry and Mabel (Moore) Downey.

He graduated from Opdyke High School in 1940.

He married Helen F. Jones on June 22, 1947. They celebrated their 60th anniversary last year. She survives. Other survivors are his daughter, Karen Downey also of Carbondale.

Robert was employed by Nabisco, selling cookies and crackers for 35 years. He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II for three years as a radio operator. His ship, the LCS7, was sunk by the Japanese off Corregor in 1944.

He was an active member of VFW Post 2605, the American Legion in Murphysboro and a 20 year member of the military funeral detail. He was a member of a prayer group which met for many years in Murphysboro.

He spent 20 years as a volunteer for the AARP Driver Safety Program, which he really enjoyed. He spent 20 years as a Republican election jusge in Precinct 16 in Carbondale.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roger; and son, Gary.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. John Annable officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Mt. Vernon with military graveside rites by the VFW, American Legion and the DAV.

The visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church. Huffman-Harker Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Source: Mount Vernon Register News
Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2008
Submitted by: Cindy Ford