Sheldon C. Downey

He was born on March 18, 1930, in Evansville, Indiana, to the late Timothy and Hazel (Kornell) Downey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Frances (Chappell) Downey.

Sheldon is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Linda; his daughter, Dawn Lee (John) of Dublin, California; his son, Darin; his nephews, Jeff Downey (Kris Head) and Mark Downey (Peggy) and his cousin, Sandra Schmidt.

A lifelong Evansville Westsider, Sheldon graduated from F. J. Reitz High School in 1948 and studied at Lockyear Business College. Sheldon proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War and received an honorable discharge. He went on to build a career at Whirlpool Corporation where he retired after 36 years.

Sheldon was known for his kind heart and his willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need—family, friends, and neighbors alike. He was a longtime member of Bethel Church where he was baptized at the age of 82 and gave generously of his time as a volunteer at the Evansville Christian Life Center.

He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: tending his garden, watching birds, fishing, line dancing, reading his Bible, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and caring for his cherished cat Mickey. In his younger years, he especially loved ice skating at Roberts Stadium, where he met his beloved wife, Linda, who shared his passion for the ice.

Though Sheldon is no longer with us, he will be deeply missed and his spirit lives on in the stories he shared and in the many lives he touched.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026 at Alexander West Chapel, officiated by Pastor Dave Schwambach, with burial to follow in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends and family may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at the funeral home.

The family extends special thanks to his caregivers at West River Health Campus for their compassionate care.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Church, 4400 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714 (bethelevv.com) or the Vanderburgh Humane Society, 400 Millner Industrial Drive, Evansville, IN 47710 (vhslifesaver.org).

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com