Ronald Richard Downey, 96, passed away peacefully at his home in Plymouth, on January 5, 2025.
Ron was born on October 10, 1928, in Gary, IN, the son of Marvin Downey, Sr. and Verla Mae Downey Dobrick. He was the eldest of their six children. Ron met Betty Barnett one day during her Gary, IN, Gary Methodist Hospital nurse training program and he proposed to her just three days later. They were happily married on April 15, 1956.
A World War II Veteran, Ron served his Country by enlisting in the United States Army at the age of 17. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany, from 1946-1948 where he also played the trombone in the Army Band. Upon his return from service, Ron moved to Bloomington, IN, to attend Indiana University where he was a charter member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education in 1951 and his master’s degree in 1966. These degrees suited him well to fulfill his love of children and instrumental and choral music. Ron became a teacher and an elementary school principal for the Plymouth Community School Corporation, Plymouth, IN, in the West Township School, Old Webster and New Webster Elementary Schools, and Jefferson Elementary School. In addition, Ron directed the Plymouth, IN, First United Methodist Church Choir for 30 years and choir member for 50 years where he was a member. A lifelong Indiana University fan, he introduced several family members and students to the beauty and wonder of IU, always encouraging others to pursue their own life’s passions, making a lasting impact on them.
One of Ron’s life passions was his enthusiasm for trees, an interest sparked by an elective course at IU, planting nearly 100 species on the four acres where he and Betty built their home and raised their children, Craig, Eric, and Leah. He was also a dedicated bicyclist, often riding fifteen to fifty miles, taking his children along with him at times, teaching them how to enjoy the rides. He completed three round-trip rides from Plymouth to Bloomington, with one of those rides accompanied by his then-teenaged boys. He rode well into his 70’s, and enjoyed exercising at a local gym for continued health. Ron always expressed gratitude and joy that he had a loving family, a good circle of friends, and a career he thoroughly enjoyed with the students, faculty, and staff. Ron always had a story and a few jokes to tell, sharing laughter where he could.
Ron is preceded in death by his wife, Betty; son, Craig Downey; brothers Marvin Downey, Jr. and Duane Downey; sister-in-law, Patricia Downey; brother-in-law, Glenn Hildebrandt; niece Denise Downey; and nephews Michael Downey and Jeffery Didelot.
Survivors include his son, Eric (Yvette) Downey; daughter, Leah (Kirk) Abendroth; daughter-in-law, Tina Downey: grandchildren Adam (Tamara) Downey, Evan (Katie Walch) Downey, Kelcie (Jeff) Shoaf, Kelsey Danz, Keaton Danz, Valerie (Brandon) Boswell, and Mark Abendroth; and four great-grandchildren. Ron is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Hildebrandt and Joy (Robert) Didelot; brother, Keith Downey; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday,
January 10, 2025, with the service to follow at Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home, 300 West Madison Street, Plymouth IN.
A service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Military honors will be provided by the Plymouth American Legion Post 27 and Plymouth VFW. No graveside services will occur as Ron has chosen cremation as his life’s journey’s end.
Memorial contributions may be made to Plymouth High School Music Department c/o Treasurer, at #1 Big Red Drive, Plymouth, IN, or other charity of choice.
Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of Ron and his family.
