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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Downey, William John

Age 85


DOWNEY,
William John
“Bill”

William (Bill) John Downey went to be with his Lord Jesus on July 17, 2012.

He was born in Oakland, CA on April 22, 1927 and grew up in Graham, WA.

Bill proudly served in the U.S. Navy 1946-47.

He met the love of his life, Twila Harlan, in 1943 and they were married on June 20, 1947.

After Bill’s retirement from Rexall, he and Twila started a wood craft business and they enjoyed camping, RVing around Washington visiting craft shows and fairs.

They were both members of the Cheney Community Church.

Twila preceded Bill in death two years earlier.

Bill is survived by his son Mark Downey, wife Debbie of Butler, KY; daughter Sheryl Schmedeman, husband Jimmy of Cheney, WA; granddaughter Kelly Hernandez, husband Jesse of Whittier, CA; grandson Chad Anderson, wife Caroline, of Tacoma, WA; granddaughter Katie Anderson of Spokane, WA; and two great-granddaughters Bella and Norah.

It was Bill’s wish for no church memorial service.

There will be a brief service at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA where Bill will be inurned next to Twila.

All are welcome.