Kent Duane Downey, 68, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2016 after four short weeks of being diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. While Kent bravely and courageously fought this rare and very aggressive cancer, he maintained his positive attitude and outlook for his family despite the overreaching odds and deflating news that treatment was proving to be ineffective.
Born September 3, 1947 to Marthetta and Willis Downey of Indianapolis, Kent was a life-long resident of the Indianapolis area.
After graduating from Ben Davis High School in 1965, he continued his education at Purdue where he pursued a degree in Civil Engineering. His membership in the Purdue Band and love of his “Boilers” continued throughout his life.
In 1974, Kent began what would be his professional home at United Consulting Engineers. He was a Design Engineer in the Road Department and soon became the Department Manager. Enhancing his engineering expertise, he earned his Professional Land Surveyors license. In addition to becoming a partner with UCE, he was an active participant and board member of American Council of Engineering Companies, served on the Board of Directors for ACEC, was President of Consulting Engineers of Indiana for a year, received Consulting Engineer of the Year Award, and proudly served as President of UCE for eleven years.
Although Kent’s career was filled with many notable professional accomplishments, he would tell you that he is most proud of his family. He is survived by, Kathy, his beloved wife of 43 years; daughter, Karry, and her husband Zack Casey, their children Lily & Kayla; son, Kevin, and his wife, Lisa Downey, their children Shane, Quinn & Maeve. He is also survived by his brother, Mark Downey, wife Kathy, and their children Brian & Brent.
Kent was a loving husband, father, and friend to so many. When Kent was not attending one of his grandkids’ birthdays, recitals, baseball games, soccer games, and various other activities; he enjoyed golfing, playing euchre with friends, cheering on the Colts, rooting for the Boilermakers, catching a NASCAR race, and spending quality time with his wife and family.
His kindness, generosity, and physical presence will be deeply missed, but forever remembered. A celebration of Kent’s life will be held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 West 86th, Indianapolis, IN 46260, on Saturday, February 13, 2016. Open visitation with friends and family will be from 12:00-2:00pm, Celebration of Life Service immediately follows at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to www.ocularmelanoma.org or www.stlukesumc.com
Shawn Wright-Browner says
One of the best “cheerleader” Dad’s ever. RIH.
Bob and Judy Zier says
Dear Kathy, Karry, Kevin and families, We are so very sorry for the loss of Kent. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you cope with your grief. Our hearts go out to you all. Bob, Judy, Sean, and Molly Zier
Ed Brown says
Golf will not be the same with out you as my “Old Buddy” at Old Oakland! You were a special friend and a special man.
I am praying for the entire family for comfort and peace!
Steve Jones says
What a privilege it was to work with Kent and be his friend. I learned many business and life lessons from Kent over the years but more importantly Kent was my friend. He was everyone’s friend! He was encouraging, cheerful, optimistic, honest and trustworthy. At work he was always willing to do what was right. He was a man of the highest integrity and basically possessed the important qualities and characteristics that we should all strive for in our lives. God Bless Kent and Kathy and family, Steve & Donna Jones
Deborah Shannon(Hider) says
Kathy, Mark and families, so sorry for your loss. So many fond School memories of Kent and all of you…my thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless!
Dennis Bogden says
To the Downey Family: I only knew Kent for a few years during our league bowling time, but what a friend to know. He will be missed not only by you but many others whom he touched in life. Please pass this message onto his brother Mark with my prayers for all of you.
Jim Kittle says
Kent was a great friend,advisor and supporter of many causes. He will be missed by all of us.
Jim Kittle
Dale, Linda Hart says
We met Kent at the wedding of our daughter, Kitty Hart, to Bill Gibb, Jr., in 1999. Kent’s memory has always remained with us from that meeting, owing to the strength of his personality. Now his legacy will live on through his beloved family. Blessings to you all! Dale and Linda Hart
Debbi Dyar Brand says
Kathy, Dear ~
I cannot fathom how devastated you must be. My mind’s eye will always remember a beautiful and inseparable couple.
God bless you and yours.
Debbi Brand (Pak Mail )
Philip Beer says
My heart sunk when I heard of Kent’s passing. He was a mentor, a peer, and mostly a very very good man. His face would light up as he talked of his kids, and grandkids…a testament to a great man. My God continue to comfort Kathy and the family with the knowledge that Kent touch so many during his life.