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Marvin Downey

July 16, 1932 - June 13, 2021
Kalamazoo, MI

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Visitation

Friday, July 23, 2021
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT
St. Thomas More Parish
421 Monroe Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Web Site

Mass of Christian Burial

Friday, July 23, 2021
10:00 AM EDT
St. Thomas More Parish
421 Monroe Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Burial will follow the mass at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

St. Thomas More Parish
421 Monroe Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Marvin E. Downey, 88, passed away the morning of June 13, 2021, just little over a month since his wife of 65 years Bernadine died. She passed away May 8, 2021.

It would be impossible to speak of Marvin’s life with out talking about his marriage with Bernadine which began on May 5, 1956, at Holy Family Church in Decatur, Michigan. Their love and devotion to one another and their faith in God is epitome of the meaning of marriage.

People have described their marriage as the marriage everyone aspired to. Marvin was also a loving and dedicated father to his children. He served as an excellent role model. Camping was always special with the family.

Marv and Bernie loved travelling. Together they ventured from New England to Alaska and Hawaii. They also visited with friends on a trip to Ireland and England. They also enjoyed several trips over the years to Las Vegas.

Marv and Bernie were highly active in civic and church organizations. Both were founding members of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Portage, MI. For several years they were members of the Cursillo Movement and Marriage Encounters. Marvin was a graduate of Ministry Formation with the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Bernie and Marv moved to St. Marin of Tours in Vicksburg, MI where he served as Pastoral Minister.

He was Honorary life member 4th Degree Knights of Columbus for 38 years. This was given to him on his 85th year of life by Knights of Columbus, Council 3798 and the Patriotic 4th Degree Assembly 0522. Marvin was also Former Grand Knight and Treasury Secretary with Portage Council Knight of Columbus 6980. He was also a founding member of that same Council.

He graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1950.

Marvin enlisted in the US Air Force 1951-1955 and was a Korean War ear Veteran. He was a member of the American Legion.

He retired from the Upjohn Company after 32 years of service. He was a powerplant operator at the downtown powerplant.

Marvin was preceded in death by his wife, Bernadine, and son Brian; his parents: Eugene and Lucille (1940); stepmother, Wanda Downey; and his brothers: Gene, Thomas, and Larry; is survived by his brothers: Terry and Tim and his sisters: Judy Grahek and Patricia Shaw.

He is survived by his sons: Larry (Nancy) Downey of Kalamazoo, Mark Downey of Kalamazoo, and Garry (Stephanie) Downey of Brewerton, NY; grandchildren: Frank (Wendy) Downey, Patty (Bobby) Gross, Carmen (Brian) Harris, James (Erika) Croft, Megan (Chris) Wight, Anna Croft, Sarah (Justin) Crossway, Cecelia Downey, Kerry Downey, Sean (Lindsay) Downey, Alex Downey, and many great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Marv and Bernie on Friday (July 23) 10AM at St. Thomas More with a time to visit with the family beginning at 9AM. Burial will follow the mass at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Please visit Marv’s personal webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com where you can share a favorite story or upload photos. Memorial donations may be made to St. Thomas More Parish. Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI (269) 375-2900.