Dr. Michael Dean Downey

Dr. Michael Dean Downey, 72, a veteran of the Vietnam War and resident of Gonzales County, passed
away on September 23rd, 2023, while surrounded by his family in his home. Michael was born on
February 16th, 1951, to Harold and Betty (Bolin) Downey of Sidney, Nebraska and graduated Alamosa
High School Colorado in 1969. He continued his education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas before
joining the United States Navy in 1972 as a Motion Picture Projection Equipment Repairman.
After his service, Michael returned to his home of record, Nevada then moved to California to complete
his Doctorates in Philosophy from Columbia Pacific University in 1987. He then moved back to Nevada,
where he found his "calling" to be of service to his community. He was a professor at the Western
Nevada College in Carson City, Nevada, a former Nevada State VFW Commander, VFW All American, and
member of the Military Order of the Cootie, Master Freemason, Scottish Rite and Shriner, an Amateur
Radio Operator (HAM) Emergency Management Coordinator, a certified USA Boxing official, amongst
many other titles. Michael had a heart of gold and was always helping others before himself. He never
met a stranger and was an inspiration to so many.
Michael met the love of his life Joni and were married in 2003. He immediately became a family man
and joined a forever grateful loving family. After he and Joni retired in 2009, they moved to Texas to be
closer to their family. Michael and Joni were able to enjoy 17 loving years together. Michael then
moved to Gonzales County to be with his sons and grandchildren.
Michael is survived by his loving family, sons John "Jay" Brumme (Jennifer), Jared Brumme (Colleen) of
Gonzales. He is also survived by his grandchildren Nicholas Brumme, Terra Brumme, and Michael
Brumme, and cousins abroad. He was preceded in death by his wife and his parents.
A memorial service will be held on October 30th, 2023, at 10 a.m. at the Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in
Gonzales, Texas with Pastor Matt Pennington officiating. An inurnment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Memorials may be made in the name of Michael Dean Downey
to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.