Doug Downey
September 12, 1928 — November 6, 2016
Charles Douglas Downey, a resident of Franklin, Ky., died surrounded by family on Nov. 6, 2016 in Bowling Green, Ky. Born in Woodburn, Ky. on Sept. 12, 1928, he was the son of the late Charles Downey and Bessie Meng Downey. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Downey and his son David Downey.
Doug is survived by a daughter, Debbie Donaldson (Mac) of Franklin, Ky., and sons Steve Downey (Claudia) and Dick Downey (Cindy) all of Bowling Green, Ky; a daughter-in-law Bonita Downey of Fort Myers, Fl., and by seven grandchildren: Mary Beth Schlosser (Tim), Doug Donaldson, Dee Dee Phillips (Josh), Andy Downey (Justin, partner), David Downey (Elisabeth), Stephanie Downey (Alan) and Charlie Downey; and by 11 great-grandchildren.
Doug grew up in Simpson County and graduated from Franklin-Simpson High School in 1946 after being named third team all-state in basketball. He became the youngest Magistrate ever elected in Simpson County at age 28. After farming for a number of years, he founded Central Steel Products, where Debbie and Mac are his successors. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Franklin. Doug was Chairman of the Board of the Franklin Country Club during its expansion and served on the Board of Directors at Simpson County Bank.
Known as "Deacon" to many of his friends, Doug was a thinker, a raconteur and enjoyed golf, cards, horses, sports, and last but not least his family.
Gilbert Funeral Home in Franklin, formerly Booker-Gilbert, will host visitation on Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and from 6:00 a.m. Thursday until funeral service time.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Gilbert Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery.
The family thanks the many caregivers who helped Doug in his later years, especially New Haven Assisted Living, as well as Hospice of Southern Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted by the First United Methodist Church of Franklin, 107 North College Street, Franklin, KY 42134 and by Hospice of Southern Kentucky.
Online condolences may be made at www.gilbertfhonline.com.