Harold Kenneth Downey

DOWNEY, Harold "Hal" K., age 96, of Kettering, died July 1, 2012 with his family by his side. He was born on March 20, 1916 in Olney, IL and grew up in Princeton, IN. He was an athlete, playing football, basketball, and tennis at DePauw where he graduated in 1938. He was a Major in the United States Army, serving in WWII. Harold was an award-winning IBM salesman until his retirement. An avid tennis player and Senior Olympics Gold Medalist, Hal enjoyed being on the court until side-lined by a sports injury at the age of 91. He was a silver sneakers member of the South Community YMCA. Harold was preceded in death by his wife Bettye (Scraper) Downey, two brothers, and one sister. He is survived by his eldest son Ken and his wife Karen Downey of Kettering, daughter Ann and husband Rob Hem of Minneapolis, son Bill Downey of Waynesville, grandson Brian (fiance Sara Tobias) Downey of Mansfield, granddaughter Megan Downey who is a Senior nursing student at Ohio University and cared for him lovingly in his last days, and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families. His grace and humor was legendary among his extended family and all those who knew him. Papa, Uncle Harold, you will be missed but forever in our hearts. A brief memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at ROUTSONG FUNERAL HOME, 2100 East Stroop Road, Kettering with family greeting friends following the service until 3:30pm. Interment will be at David's Mausoleum. Donations in the name of Hal may be made to the Strong Kids Fund c/o South Community YMCA, 4545 Marshall Rd., Kettering, OH 45429 or Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420.

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429