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.
Services held in Gonzales are under the care and direction of Seydler – Hill Funeral Home.
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