Lt. Col. Robert Anthony "Robby Ret." Downey

A personality larger than life was taken from our world too soon on August 14, 2025. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Downey, United States Air Force (Retired), died doing what he loved - flying above the plains of southwest Oklahoma.

Robby was a loving father and husband; steadfast brother and son; protector; warrior; and loyal friend. Born on August 25, 1969 in Somerset, KY, Robby soon found his way to Lawton, OK where he was lifelong-proud to be called an Okie. After graduating from Lawton High School in 1988, Robby attended the United States Air Force Academy where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree. He later attained a Master of Science degree from Troy State University. A significant part of Robby's life was the sport of wrestling. A successful high school and collegiate wrestler, Robby was a two-time state place-winner for Lawton High School, the 1991 Oklahoma Open Champion and a key member of the Air Force Academy's first-ever Western Athletic Conference championship team. Robby excelled in his professional life: first as a military commander and supply chain management professional serving around the globe in the US Air Force for over twenty years, then as a civilian flight instructor in Lawton for over thirteen years.

Robby could be described as an intense patriot and fiercely loyal friend. He was a man who loved to laugh and enjoyed living life without script or schedule. He brought energy to a room, and matched it with smart (if not loud) conversation and unapologetic opinions.

After his children and the love of his life, Kimber, Robby's passions were flying, boating, golf, financial markets and "self care". His kids remember him well as the best damn Uber driver in the greater Lawton area and one of the finest amateur caddies in the state of Oklahoma.

Robby was loved by many for a multitude of reasons, but mostly just for being "Dad" or "Robby". He is survived by his children, Dan, Will and Wesly Sue Downey; wife Kimber Downey; father-in-law Dan Wigington of Lawton; sister- and brother-in-law Danna and Eric Bross of Lawton; sister- and brother-in-law Heather and Craig Clement of Lawton; nieces and nephews Bentley Bross, Brooke Bross, Parker Anne and McLendon Sears, and Emerson Clement; great-niece Sutton Anne Sears; brother Jamey Downey of San Antonio, TX; parents Richard and Sally Downey of Gilbert, AZ; aunt Molly Burr of Raleigh, NC; and aunt and uncle Susan and Bob Graybill of Lancaster, PA. He is preceded in death by mother-in-law Sue Wigington, and grandparents Robert and Francis Burr and Anthony and Evelyn Downey.

A memorial service will be held at the Fort Sill National Cemetery at 2 PM on Friday, 29 August with a celebration of life in Rob's honor to follow at Salas Urban Cantina in Lawton.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations can be made to the Robert Downey Memorial Scholarship Fund at Liberty National Bank in Lawton, OK or sent via Venmo to @robdowneymemorialfund