William “Bill” Downey, age 95, of Scottsbluff passed away on November 1, 2023 at the Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home. A memorial service will be held Friday, November 10, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at Dugan Kramer Funeral Home with Father Stephen Deaver officiating. Burial of the urn will be at the Alliance Veteran’s Cemetery at a later date. A memorial has been established to the Scottsbluff YMCA. Fond memories and messages of sympathy may be left for the family at www.dugankramer.com
Bill was born September 24, 1928 in Freedom, Nebraska, to William C. and Bessie Downey. He graduated from Indianola High School and served in the United States Air Force for four years during the Korean War (1950-1954) and worked for the US Department of Energy until his retirement in 1985.
He married Mary Riley on August 27, 1956 in Trenton, Nebraska, and they made their home in McCook, Nebraska. They also lived in Casper, Wyoming, and then in Scottsbluff for the remainder of his life. He was a member of the YMCA, the American Legion Post #36, Elks Lodge, and St. Agnes Catholic Church. He was very competitive as a runner and racquetball player, but also enjoyed biking and watching college football. Adored by many, he was idolized for his athleticism. He was a prankster who enjoyed making people laugh, and he loved to have a good time in the company of his many dear friends.
Survivors include his wife, Mary, of 67 years; three children, Brad, Tara (Robert) McCormick, and Anne (George) Liakos; and grandchildren, Hunter McCormick, and Ryan, Riley, and Mackenzie Liakos.
Preceding him in death are his parents, William and Bessie Downey; sister, Phyllis Smith; nephew, Ron Smith; and twin infant sons, John and James.
The family would like to express their gratitude and sincere appreciation to the Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home for their loving care of our dad.