William Robert Downey

William Robert Downey, age 84, passed away October 30, 2012, at Shawnee Gardens in Shawnee, Kansas, where he had a short stay after a recent surgery and a move from Gardner, Kansas.

Bill was born on January 10, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Vincent and Julia Downey. He grew up in the Kansas City area graduating from Bishop Lillis High School. On October 23, 1954, he was united in marriage to Patricia Stablein in Kansas City, Missouri. Bill and Pat made their home in Shawnee, Kansas, until Bill moved to Gardner, Kansas in 1985.

After serving in World War II, Bill went to work in the concrete construction business. He was the founder of Downey Foundations, Inc., of Shawnee, Kansas, and worked there until his retirement. Bill enjoyed farming and being outdoors as well as visiting the casino and sweet foods.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Helen Brocker.

Bill is survived by his wife, Patricia Downey of Shawnee, Kansas; two sisters, Mary Gertrude Pinkelman of Olathe, Kansas, and Virginia Morano of Colorado; his 11 children: Kathleen Downey of Edgerton, Kansas, Susan (Mark) Roos of Shawnee, Kansas, Andrew (Suzanne) Downey of Merriam, Kansas, Margaret (Ed) Jalbert of Shawnee, Kansas, David (Christine) Downey of Louisburg, Kansas, Julia (Dave) Lancaster of Lenexa, Kansas, Paula (Lee) Gardner of Spring Hill, Kansas, Roger (Robin) Downey of Kincaid, Kansas, Edward (Lisa) Downey of Shawnee, Kansas, Nancy (Lee) West of Lenexa, Kansas, and Christopher (Erika) Downey of Lenexa, Kansas; 25 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Bill will be deeply missed by his loving family.

A visitation will be from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. with Rosary at 5:00 p.m., on Thursday November 1, 2012, at the Amos Family Funeral Home and Crematory. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 2, 2012, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

American Legion Post #153

410 East Dennis Avenue

Olathe, Kansas 66061

or

St. Joseph Catholic Church

5901 Flint Street

Shawnee, Kansas 66203