Mikel Edwin Downey

1949 - 2023

Mikel Edwin Downey January 21, 1949 - March 21, 2023 Mikel Edwin Downey, 74, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in the comfort of his home in Loving, TX. Mikel was born to Hollis Edwin Downey and Billie Lois Chick Downey, in Graham, TX on January 21, 1949. Mike grew up in Houston and where he graduated from C.E. King High School in May of 1967 after which he joined the U.S. Navy.

Mike had a distinguished career of over 27 and a half years in the Navy achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He served in Vietnam, where he was a POW twice, the Persian Gulf including the Liberation of Kuwait, Operation Desert Shield, and Operation Desert Storm. GMC(SW) Mikel Downey earned thirteen medals during his military career and a book's worth of accolades from his superiors and shipmates. He retired from the Navy in May of 1996.

Mike loved his country but loved his family more. It wasn't uncommon to hear him talking about something he was proud of them for doing. Mike also spent a lot of time giving back to the citizens and veterans of Graham and Young County. Mike was the Quartermaster of the VFW Post 8567 for many years in Graham and held the distinguished Legacy Gold Life Member status within the organization.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Hollis and Billie Downey, his wife, Annie Danielle "Dee" Downey, his two brothers, Donald Earl Downey and Charlie Ray Downey, and his son, Shane Mikel Downey.

Mike is survived by nine of his children, Tina Noa of Iola, Pecos Downey of Austin, Jesse Downey of Shiner, Trace Downey of Austin, Amy Downey of Houston, SteveAnna Downey of Ranger, Lillian Jane Nunley of Graham, Kyler Downey and Rebekah Downey both of Shiner as well as ten grandsons and two granddaughters.

Dad will be dearly missed by his dog, LT, along with his nephew, Leonard Johnson, of Graham.

In lieu of flowers, Dad requested that you make a donation to Base Camp Lindsey, PO Box 3133, Wichita Falls, TX 76301, or their website: https://ntvrf.com/donations-and-giving/ This organization provides services for homeless or at-risk veterans of North Texas.

Public services for Mike will be Saturday, April 1st, 2023 at 11:00 AM at McMillian-Satterwhite Funeral Home in Graham. A private family burial will follow the public service.