David Lee Downey

In loving memory of David Lee Downey:
Today, we gather to remember and celebrate the life of a remarkable man, David Lee Downey, who left us on October 19, 2023. David was born on July 6th, 1949, in Danville, Illinois, to William H. Downey and Alice M. Van Duyn. His journey was marked by love, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to his family.
David's early years were touched by both loss and gain. Losing his mother, Alice, in 1961, he found solace and love in his second mother, Margery, in 1962. He completed his schooling in Danville, graduating in 1967, before embarking on a year at Danville Junior College.
In 1969, David united his life with his soulmate, Jani Downing. A year later, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the army in 1970. Stationed in Germany in 1971, he was soon joined by Jani, and together, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Penny Luanne, on November 25, 1971.
After being discharged from the military in 1972, they returned to Danville, Illinois, before setting out on a new adventure in 1979, ultimately finding their way to Sherman, Texas. In this new chapter, their family grew with the arrival of two sons, Phillip David in 1981 and William Timothy in 1984.
David wore many hats in his professional life, but his true passions lay in spending quality time with his family at the racetrack and sharing in his son Tim's enthusiasm for the Push truck. He also held a deep affection for all things railroad, a passion that found new meaning when his son Phillip became a train engineer.
Among his many sources of pride were his children. He cherished the moments spent with his daughter Penny, who lovingly took care of his haircuts each month. However, his greatest joys were found in his cherished grandchildren: Coty, Madison, Mason, Ryan, and Robbie, who were the light of his life.
David was reunited in the embrace of those who had passed before him: his mother Alice, father William, stepmother Margery, and his beloved wife Jani. He leaves behind a legacy of love and a family who will forever hold him in their hearts.
He is survived by his daughter Penny and her husband Jack Wakin of Sherman, Texas, son Phillip and his wife Ranette of Gordonville, Texas, and son William (Tim) and his wife Jennifer of Sherman, Texas. His memory lives on in the hearts of his grandchildren Coty Downey, Madison Downey, Mason Downey, Matthias Reiner, Ryan Downey, and Robert Downey. He is also survived by his brothers: Harold Downey, Kenneth Ping, David Ping, Annette Walker and Matthew Downey, along with a host of extended family and friends.
David Lee Downey, a loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, and cherished friend, will forever be missed and always remembered for the love he shared and the indelible mark he left on all our lives. May he rest in peace.