Fenton T. Downey

Fenton T. Downey

October 13, 1938 – December 7, 2018

On Friday, December 7, 2018, Fenton Thomas Downey, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 80.  Fenton was born on October 13, 1938 in Cold Spring, NY.  After graduating from St. Patrick Boys High School in Newburgh, NY, he attended University of Dayton (Dayton, Ohio) where he earned a BE in electrical engineering.  He attended the School of Mines in Rapid City, SD before being drafted into the US Navy.  He served three years active duty, and 20 years in active Reserves in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Commander.  He was also a professional engineer, whose career spanned thirty-three years with Northwestern Bell/US West Telephone Company.

Fenton was married to Blenda Hill on November 9, 1961 in the Base Chapel at Ft. Sam Houston, TX.  Together they brought up three sons and four daughters.  A member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, he belonged to the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 0374, and Pioneers of America.  He was a member and former president of West Omaha Diamond D Kiwanis.

Fenton is survived by his wife of 57 years, Blenda; their children: Mike (Ann), Shaun, Patrick (Kathleen), Shannon Schnepf (Bill), Kathy Wamsley, Mary Gohr (Pat), and Megan Reichert (Axel). He was blessed with fifteen grandchildren: Alex Downey, Ian Downey, Connor Downey, Daniel Downey, Rachel Schnepf, Becca Schnepf, Leah Wamsley, Brock Wamsley, Quinn Wamsley, Kate Gohr, Andrew Gohr, Michael Gohr, Max Reichert, Christoph Reichert, and Alena Reichert. He is also survived by a brother, Larry (Joan) and sister, Mary Lou Burke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeremiah and Charity Downey; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Ann Downey.

The family will receive friends on Monday, Dec. 10th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE & ROSARY at 7pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, Dec. 11th at 10:30am at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 15353 Pacific.  Graveside Service: Tuesday, 2pm, Omaha National Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post #1.  Memorials are suggested to Parkinson’s Nebraska, 16811 Burdette St., Ste. 1, Omaha, NE 68116.

 

2 Comments

  • Diana Foster Posted December 10, 2018 3:31 pm

    At this difficult time may the memories of your loved one, live on in your heart.
    I took care of my parents for five years so I truly understand.
    God Bless Mary & Diana Foster

  • Glenn M Bauer Posted December 20, 2018 7:10 pm

    My deepest sympathy to the family. I had the pleasure of working for Fenton for many years at Northwestern Bell Telephone/ US West Communications, and have many pleasant memories of that time.

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