William Edward "Bill" Downey Jr.

Bill Downey, born William Edward Downey, Jr., 70, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away suddenly on September 20, 2024. He was loved by many and is survived by his wife of 44 years, Judy Cook Downey; daughter Lynn Downey Braswell, son-in-law Dan, and granddaughter Birdie Braswell; son Trent Downey and daughter-in-law Taylor Leyden; and siblings Suzanne, Bryan, and Geoffrey and their families. Bill has been welcomed home by his father William, Sr., mother Peg, and precious nephew Dechlan Downey.
Bill was one of a kind-funny, loving, spontaneous, brave, and thoughtful. The greatest love of his life was his family. The week before he died, he proudly reported that he and Judy had met 50 years before. He was a champion for his children, always advocating for them, and adored two-year-old granddaughter Birdie, who called him "Bumpa." He delighted in comedy, soccer, long walks, deep talks, music (particularly gospel), and watermelon.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 29, 1954, to William and Margaret "Peg" Hemrick Downey, he grew up in Middletown, New Jersey, before relocating with his family to La Crescenta, California, in 1973. After meeting Judy through mutual friends, he created a beautiful life with her in Bloomington.
Bill earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University Bloomington. Professionally, he worked in a variety of administrative positions in Monroe County, including for the bursar's office of Indiana University (I.U.), B & L Sheet Metal and Roofing, and various churches. Recently Bill had become an Uber driver, which allowed him to enjoy one of his favorite activities, listening to and connecting with people.
Bill was a devout follower of Jesus. Baptized with his wife in 1990, he was a long-term member at Exodus Church of Bloomington, becoming an avid reader of spiritual literature. He was an enthusiastic volunteer. He supported international students through the FriendSpeak program, was active in The Prayer Room ministries, along with other service programs.
Humor was Bill's lifeblood. He had a contagious laugh and keen comedic timing. Deeply creative, he initially majored in journalism, worked at the college newspaper, I.D.S., wrote and performed comedy for local radio and stage productions. Throughout his life he found avenues to perform, recently taking stand-up comedy classes while enjoying The Comedy Attic. Always thinking of others, Bill drew cartoons for special-occasion cards that he sent to family and friends.
Bill was also an avid sports fan. After losing sight in one eye as a teenager-which dashed his dream of becoming a professional baseball player-he switched to soccer and went on to become a dedicated fan and coach. Bill loved I.U. soccer, rarely missing a College Cup Final Four appearance. He coached in the local Kicks for Kids soccer program and supported Lynn and Trent while they played high school soccer.
Bill had a great desire to learn and understand, as evidenced by his library and decades of journals. A reluctant mechanic, he became proficient over the years, often claiming divine intervention-"grace of the living God!"-in cases of miraculous resolution. He earned his Hoosier cred with a stable of old cars in the driveway, hopeful for repair. He will be missed; they will not.
Many people have referred to Bill Downey as being "the kindest man I ever met." His gift for knowing exactly what to say at just the right time made each person feel heard, validated, and loved. He will be missed greatly by both family and friends who are like family, including Jeff and Darrell Stone of Bloomington, Jack and Leslie Clark of Fort Wayne, the members of his church family, and many others.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1503 That Road, Bloomington, IN 47403. Calling hours are from 3-5 PM, followed by the service at 5 PM.
Online condolences and memories can be made at www.allencares.com and https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/WfePJ5Uw.
Please direct any donations towards Carry Them Ministries at CarryThem.org https://carrythem.org/. This ministry supports malnourished infants and their mothers in Nigeria.