Richard "Dick" John Downey

Richard (Dick) John Downey passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023. He had experienced multiple health issues the last couple of years, and we are grateful he’s no longer suffering. He and his wife, Margery, were married on August 7, 1971. Throughout his having to deal with CoPD for several years and his recent hospitalizations, he still always would quickly engage and joke around with the people he was sharing space with at that moment, and they would love him instantly. His generosity knew no bounds. If someone was having a difficult time, he was there for them - no hesitation. He had the opportunity to travel to much of the US and also Ireland a couple of times.

He was born in Iowa City, IA, moving to Coffeyville, KS when he was 10. He attended the Coffeyville schools, graduating with the class of 1958. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, stationed most of the time in San Diego, CA and spent one year in Guam. Once a year he traveled to attend his Navy ship reunions (USS Sperry), enjoying getting together with his shipmates. In other travels, he visited many Civil War battlefield sites and cemeteries and especially enjoyed Gettysburg and Andersonville (GA), a Civil War prison. He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, Olathe Group, and sober for 40 years. He helped many people, making lasting friendships in the AA organization. Until his health failed him, he and others took AA meetings to Lansing Prison and to other facilities as well. He had a B.S. Degree in Business Administration from Pittsburg State University and most of his career was spent managing small companies. However, he was not a “corporate man”. He related to the troops!

He and Margery met when she was a single mom of two children teaching in Coffeyville, KS. He got acquainted with her children, who told her about him and the rest is history. They were married nearly 52 years. He is survived by his wife Margery Downey; his daughter Tammy Downey Pearson (Kenny) and his son David Downey (Vicky), whom he adopted as his own; he was blessed with grandchildren that he adored: Brandy Porritt (Derek); Courtney Pearson; Jessica Pearson; Justin Downey; Kristen Scott (Steven); Lindsey Misner (Eric Carter); his sister Mary Anne Mailliard (Mike); and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, and special friends who were all very dear to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Christine Shrum Downey and Maynard Downey; son, Charley Downey; his two brothers, Larry Downey and Mike Downey; his brothers-in-law Larry Smith, Randy Smith, and Mike Duggan.

His love, kindness, wisdom, and keen sense of humor and wit will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A private graveside service will be held soon. We will celebrate his life in late April.

The Memorial Service will be April 22, 2023 at 11:00am at McGilley and Frye Funeral Home, 105 E Loula St., Olathe, KS 66061.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilley-Frye.com for the Downey family.