Charles William Downey

Born in Iowa City, Iowa on May 29, 1922
Departed on December 5, 2008. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Memorial

Charles “Charlie” “Chuck” William Downey, 86, of Manor Care, died there Friday, December 5, 2008, due to complications of a stroke. Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel by Rev. R.C. Pleiness and Rev. Thomas Osterkamp of Good News Baptist Church. Burial: Andre Cemetery, Lisbon. Friends may visit at the funeral home after 9:30 a.m. Monday.

Charlie is survived by his sister. Florence Schoff of Kremling, CO; son, Elwood Downey; niece, Kathleen (James) Yost of Kremling, CO; nephew, Perry (Jane) Schoff of Cedar Rapids; three great nephews, Brandon Yost, Tony Hocamp, and Isaac Schoff; three great nieces, Rachelle Dell, Natasha Smith, and Talisha Davis.

Charlie was born May 29, 1922 in Iowa City, Iowa. His parents and brother-in-law, Wayne Schoff, preceded him in death. Charlie went to live with the Darrel Kohl family at age 14, where he helped them on their farm until he was drafted in the Army at age 18. He served his country for five years; spending furloughs with the Kohls and his sister. After the service, he returned to the farm and later purchased his own farm, north of Springville.

Charlie worked for a number of years at Wilson and Company; but missed working on the land. He did landscape work in 1963 with the Cedar Rapids Nursery Company. For 32 years, he was a part of the Hughes Nursery family. He was never late for work and always stayed until the job was completed. He was a meritorious person and retired in 1995. In August of 2008, he was proud to be a part of the centennial celebration at the Hughs’ nursery museum; enjoying all the pictures of equipment which he had operated.

Charlie enjoyed his family and especially, his church family. His Lord was number one in his life. He was a longtime member of Good News Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids. His family wishes to thank Manor Care, doctors and staff at Mercy Medical Center, his church family and his special friends, Wanda and Alberta, for their loving care of him.

Memorials may be directed to Good News Baptist Church.

Service

Cemetery