Mr Paul Downey's Obituary
Paul Downey age 76 of St. Clair passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer.
He was born in Maywood Kentucky on May 23, 1937 to the late Chester and
Mintie Downey. At the age of 16, he had a desire to be a jockey. He began to work in the horse racing field in Lexington, KY. When realizing he was going to be to big to be a jockey he joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1955 to 1959, stationed in Maine and New Foundland. After discharge he came to St. Clair.
He married Shirley LaCroix on July 15, 1961, and after 51 years of marriage she preceded him in death on September 14, 2012. Paul was a machinist and supervisor at Champion Bait.
Paul had a love for life and enjoyed everyday. Ask a friend or a relative about Paul, and they will have a funny story. Laughter was his finest quality. He was an avid hunter, and enjoyed going up north with his friends. Family was the love of his life, always a smile on his face when a grandchild entered the room.
Paul is survived by his three children, Michael Downey, daughter Paula (Walter) Horton and April (Bucky) Boucher, grand children, Monica, Walter Jr., and Ashley (Scott) Horton, Autumn and Abbey Boucher, brother Chester (Donna) Downey and sister Geraldine (Jim) VanDerbeck. In addition to his wife Shirley and parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother Denver Downey and sister Helen Sanders. He will sorely missed.
Visitation Friday 2-8 PM in the L.C. Friederichs & Son Funeral Home
Funeral Service Saturday 10 AM in the Funeral Home.
Memorials to St.Clair American Legion.
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