Michael Dean Downey

Mike Downey was born on Sept. 22, 1949, in Black Oak, Ark., to Woodrow and Dovie Downey. He left this world on Feb. 18, 2020, at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph.

Mike was married to Florence (Sue) Brinsfield on Oct. 25, 1969. Two weeks after their wedding, Mike left to serve his country in Vietnam. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne.

Mike and Sue are parents to Kristen (Scott) Dixon, Holly (Brandon) Wolfe and April (Mike) Brown. Being a "girl dad" was something he loved. He taught them how to fish, hunt and coached their softball teams.

As much as he loved being a dad, his favorite things to be called were Grandpa, Papa or Gramps. He leaves his legacy of love and sense of humor to his grandkids: Phillip, Dixon, Amanda (David) Paine, Delaney, Darcy, Tori, Taylor, Skyler, Garrett and Melody. Also, his great granddaughters, Aubree Dixon and Lennox Paine.

He is survived by his wife, daughters, grandchildren and his siblings: Wayne (Sandy) Downey, Larry (Dovie) Downey, Guy (Judy) Downey, Cis (Dewey) Hiler, Stanley (Diane) Downey, Theresa Stark, Kimberly Copeman, and Keith Downey. He also leaves to cherish his memory his best buddy, Chuck (Lynn) Cartwright and their daughters, Teri, Kerry and Jodie; his Brazilian son, Danilo Takaesu; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Roy and Marion Brinsfield; brothers-in-law: Dale, Kenny and Bobby Brinsfield, Melvin Anders and Brian Stark; sisters-in-law, Lois Anders and O'Nieta Brinsfield.

Mike was a fun, roll-with-it kind of guy. He was an amazing husband, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. Mike brightened the lives of those he encountered.

The family will welcome friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. Following visitation, cremation will take place. Those wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

To honor Mike and his love for watching his grandkids play whatever sports they enjoy, in lieu of flowers, donations, in memory of dad, can be made to: Coloma Boosters, P.O. Box 166, Coloma, MI 49038.

There was no place he would rather be than in some bleachers...sideline coaching!

THANK A VETERAN!