Robert W. "Bob" Downey

Robert “Bob” Wendell Downey, 73, of Jackson, OH, died at Holzer Medical Center on Wed., Jan. 10 in Jackson, OH. Bob was born on June 4, 1950, in Gallipolis, OH to the late Robert Downey and Juanita (Perkins) Downey. He grew up in Jackson, OH as the oldest of his siblings, Penney and Ronald, and graduated from Jackson High School in 1968. He graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. Upon graduation he met his wife of 48 years, Patty (Wyant) Downey, through a mutual friend. They wrote letters while he served in the Navy in Honolulu, Hawaii and earned his Master of Education degree at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Upon completion of his naval service, Bob returned to Jackson, OH in 1975 and married Patty on August 3, 1975, and had their son, Jason, in 1980. Bob began his teaching career at Meigs Junior High in Pomeroy, OH in 1975. He taught 8th grade Earth Science at Gallia Academy for 27 years until his retirement in 2007. As a lifelong resident of Jackson, OH he was a devoted neighbor, friend, and family member to many. He would do anything for anyone and was always quick to help anyone. He was a member of the Jackson First Church of the Nazarene and attended Sunday school for many years. He loved socializing over coffee at the Donut Shop for many years and was a skilled handyman and gardener. He took great pride in building several homes with his father and supplying fresh produce from his garden to family and friends. Above all, Bob was a devoted husband and father. He never missed a day without calling Jason, or an opportunity to support him in his childhood and professional career. He was an avid sports fan and loved attending Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, Ohio State football, and high school football and basketball games with Jason. Additionally, he loved attending concerts and taking road trips. He traveled to all 50 states and especially enjoyed trips to Dollywood with Patty. He enjoyed watching and going to NASCAR races and attending space shuttle launches in Cape Canaveral, FL. In recent years, he enjoyed cruises to South America, Europe, and just this past week to Mexico with Patty, Jason, Jason’s wife, Elizabeth, and her family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Patty’s parents, Chester Wyant and Odey Wyant, and brothers-in-law, Martin Fichtelman, Danny Lewis, and Dalbert Wyant, and sister-in-law, Donna Wyant. He is survived by his wife, Patty, Jackson, OH; son, Jason (Elizabeth) Downey, Columbus, OH; brother, Ronald (Barb) Downey, sister, Penney Lewis, two brothers-in-law, Orville Wyant and Kenneth (Shirley) Wyant of Jackson, OH; and two sisters-in-law, Thelma Fichtelman, Waverly, OH and Pauline (Paul) Texter, Chandler, AR. Additionally, he will be missed by many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. The family is extremely appreciative of the medical care Bob received in Jackson at the Holzer Medical Center, First Settlement Physical Therapy, and at the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital over the last 5 years. Bob truly lived life to the fullest, persevered through adversity, and remained positive until the end. Friends may call from 2-6PM Sunday, January 14, 2024 at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11AM Monday, January 15, 2024 at the Jackson First Church of the Nazarene, 251 Powell Dr., Jackson, OH with Pastor Mark Erskine officiating. Burial with military honors by the Jackson Chapter 45 DAV will follow at the Fairmount Cemetery in Jackson, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jackson First Church of the Nazarene, 251 Powell Dr., Jackson, OH 45640 or a charity of your choice. To share memories of Bob, visit www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com.

Robert W. "Bob" Downey

June 4, 1950 - January 10, 2024