Obituary

Larry W. Downey, 88, passed away Monday, March 25th at the Village Care Center in Lee’s Summit, MO. Larry was born to Kenneth Downey and Isabelle (Van Matre) Downey on June 26, 1935, in Butler, MO. He was the only child of Ken and Isabelle, and grew up in Adrian, MO, where he graduated from Adrian High School in 1953. He married Nancy (Casterline) Downey on August 10, 1963, in Liberty, MO, and together they shared 60 wonderful years together, including three children and four grandchildren.

Larry attended Central Missouri State University (now Univ. of Central Missouri) in Warrensburg, MO and graduated with a B.S. in Business Education in 1957. From there, he attended Colorado State College (now University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley, CO, earning his Masters Degree in Education in 1961. He started his teaching career in Urich, MO before transferring to North Kansas City High School for a few years, and then taught business and economics at Winnetonka High School in the North Kansas City School district, while also painting houses in the summers. Larry retired from teaching in 1989, after which he operated his own house painting business for an additional decade plus.

In his spare time, Larry was fond of gardening, reading novels, spending time with his family, playing cards, spending time with friends, and following his favorite sports teams. He was quick to laugh, to forgive, and loved to tell stories and jokes. He had a deep faith and a kind heart and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of North Kansas City for well over 30 years, participating in the choir. In 2010, he and Nancy moved to John Knox Village in Lee’s Summit, MO to live out their remaining days of retirement.

Larry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Nancy; his children Beth Gagnon (Charlie) of San Luis Obispo, CA; Matt Downey of Kansas City, MO; and Drew Downey (Jacinda) of Minnetrista, MN; and his grandchildren whom he adored: Perry Gagnon, Leighton Gagnon, Emelin Downey, and Foster Downey. Contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www2.jdrf.org) or Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063