Howard Owen Downey, 68, Hope

Howard Owen Downey, 68, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. He was born on December 18, 1956, and lived his entire life in Hope, Indiana. He was born to Owen and Margaret Schmidt Downey, and his mother survives. He married Betsy Mullins Downey on May 31, 1980 and they enjoyed 44 years of marriage.

Howard was employed as an engineer at Arvin Automotive, Ryobi Diecasting, Design and Analysis, and Cummins. In 2013 they opened Duck Creek Gardens, and he has continued to work there.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Hope, where he served in many capacities. He was a member of Hope Masonic Lodge #150.

Howard is survived by his wife, Betsy; his sons, Patrick (Libby) Downey Annapolis, Maryland and John Downey of Lowell, Indiana; two granddaughters, Eleanor and Alice of Annapolis, Maryland; and his six siblings, Phyllis (Rodger) Weaver of Vevay, Indiana, Wayne (Theresa) Downey of Hope, Sharon (Ron) Waltz of Hope, Dale (Anne) Downey of Boonville, Indiana, David (Deborah) Downey of Prattville, Alabama, and Joyce (Mike) Meiners of Oregon, Illinois. He also had 18 nieces and nephews and 19 great-nieces and nephews.

Howard had a great love for his God, his family, and his church. He loved helping with bible school to let out his inner child and acting in all the skits. He loved music of all kinds, singing and he managed to lead the church choir for 15 years without knowing how to read music. He loved reading all kinds of books and poetry. He enjoyed doing projects around the home and greenhouse and always had several projects in mind before he finished the current one. He loved growing berries and plants of all kinds. His favorite thing in this world was being a grandfather.

Howard was preceded in death by his father, Owen Downey; father and mother-in-law, John and Mary Ann Mullins; and brother-in-law, Jim (Moon) Mullins.

A funeral service will be held for Howard on Friday January 10 at 12 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Hope 455 Jackson Street Hope, IN 47246 with Pastor Dennis Chasteen Officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. A Masonic service will be conducted at the end of visitation on Thursday evening. Burial will follow service at Hope Moravian Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Hope, Our Hospice of Central Indiana or donor’s choice of charity.

Online condolences may be sent to the Downey Family at www.normanfuneralhome.net.