OBITUARY

Name:     Vance C. Downey

From:  The Anderson Herald Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana
Date:  Sunday, October 20, 2002  

Vance C. Downey, 76, of Anderson, died Oct. 19, 2002 at St. John's Medical Center following an extended illness.

He was born Nov. 21, 1925 in Anderson, where he was a lifetime resident.  He was a veteran of World War II, who served his country in the Navy as a seaman 1st class.  He received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, American-Pacific Campaign Medal, American-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the National Patriotism Award.

In 1990, he retired from Delco Remy.  Prior to that he had been an employee of the American Playground & Device for 20 years.  He was a member of the Daleville Masonic Lodge, the Murat Shrine, Scottish Rite and the Daleville Order of Eastern Star.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting and especially playing golf.

Survivors include his wife, Neta (Weston) Downey of Anderson; a daughter, Carol Anne Downey of Anderson; a step-son, Bruce Johnson Jr. of Alexandria; two step-daughters, Pam Pierce of Alexandria and Melissa Musick of Muncie; seven step-grandchildren: Alyssa Johnson, Randy Johnson and Chris Johnson, all of Alexandria; Mike Phipps and Nicholas Phipps, both of Anderson; and Michelle Hicks and Kelly Hicks, both of Alexandria; three step-great-grandchildren: Bailey Wensel of Alexandria, Brandon Johnson of Anderson and Haley Johnson of Alexandria; two brothers, Wayne Earl Downey of Jamestown, Ky., and Keith Downey of Anderson; and his sister-in-law, Betty Downey of Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll Morton Downey and Millie Susan (Craig) Downey; his first wife, Mabel Louise (Anderson) Downey; a brother, Guy Preston Downey; and a step-granddaughter, Megan Hicks.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home, 515 E. 53rd St., Anderson, officiated by the Rev. Richard Merriman.  Burial will take place at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.

Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and the funeral home will include an 8 p.m. Masonic memorial service.