William Robert Downey II

Birth date: May 18, 1929 Death date: May 3, 2024

William Robert Downey II, age 94, passed away in Bonney Lake, Washington on May 3, 2024. William will be missed and is loved by many family and friends. Please honor the life and memory of William by leaving cherished memories, me Read Obituary

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Mountain View Memorial Park

4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood WA 98499

(253) 948-9895

Sharon Howell

1w ago

This is a photo of Colonel Downey and me taken in 1994 at his residence in Lakewood, WA. On the wall was a painting of him in his Dress Green uniform with silver oak leaf rank (LTC) painted by a Vietnam artist shortly before he returned to CONUS.

Bill Downey joined the US Army when many units were still segregated by color. In his first integrated unit in South Carolina, he was rejected by the Commander and was immediately reassigned. Years later he was reassigned to the same unit that initially rejected him but was well received. He lived through all the civil rights and social changes that few are old enough to remember. He always made my husband and me very proud to be Americans.

We will always remember him as the "Officer and Gentleman" that he was commissioned to be. --Sharon Howell

Sharon Howell

2w ago

Lieutenant Colonel William R. Downey (deceased 3 May 2024) was a decorated combat commander known for his significant contributions to the United States Army. He served as a Medical Officer with the 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of the Punch Bowl, Korea on December 23, 1952. His actions during this operation earned him the Silver Star for his gallantry and intrepidity in action. Downey's bravery was recognized for his unhesitating actions, including organizing litter teams and personally supervising the evacuation of the wounded and dead. His undaunted courage and selfless devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army. In addition, he served in the 1st CAV during the Vietnam War before retiring in 1969.

Sharon Howell

2w ago

My wife and I first met Colonel William Downey at the Madigan Army Medical Center Chapel in 1993. Bill, as he liked to be called, came faithfully to the Sunday Protestant Worship Service. Almost every Sunday he would check with the Ward Nurses to see if there were any wheelchair patients that would like to attend worship and fellowship. He patiently wheeled them into the elevators and into the Chapel sanctuary.

Between 1993-1996, Bill and I became very good friends. He shared many of his career stories from the Korean and Vietnam wars. He gave me copies of the worship bulletins from both wars. He was a man of strong Christian discipline. At his own expense he flew from Tacoma to Washington, DC, to attend my promotion to Colonel on 2 January 2008.
He served as a mentor to me until I retired on 1 August 2012.
I loved him as a father figure, a dear friend and military colleague.

May the Lord bless and reward him for a life well lived.

Michele Owcarz-Wojcik

50w ago

I know that I am very late to share this memory, but I felt that I had to. In the spring of 2001 Col. Downey came to Buffalo to see myself and my family. He came to explain what happened to my Uncle Donald Ehlert. He was killed in action during the Korean War. Col. Downey was such a kind man and answered all our questions regarding my Uncle. We kept in contact for many years afterward. He was truly a kind and caring man. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate him.

CARED FOR BY

Mountain View Memorial Park

4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood WA 98499

(253) 948-9895

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