Obituary for M. Louis “Lou” Downey
Written by WKTN Staff on December 27, 2022
M. Louis “Lou” Downey, 88, of Kenton, slipped away quietly at home on December 22, 2022, after a recent discovery of pancreatic cancer. Lou was the youngest of 7 children born to the late Robert & Letitia (Coy) Downey on July 25, 1934. He was a graduate of Belle Center High School. Lou is survived by his children, Boyd (Terri) Downey of Kenton & Cindy LaBoiteaux of Highland Heights, KY, grandchildren; Brooke (Brett) Purcell of Kenton, Jesse (Bethany) Downey of Galena, OH, Parker (Kari) LaBoiteaux of Alexandria, KY, and Curtis LaBoiteaux of Taylor Mill, KY, great-grandchildren; Gabriel & Lianna Purcell, Emma & Olivia Downey, and Hudson LaBoiteaux. He is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Alice (Parker) Downey, who passed away only a few months ago in September, his parents Robert & Letitia (Coy) Downey, brothers Victor, Roy & Gail and sisters Sarah Spencer, Mildred Wilkinson & Hazel Ray. Lou worked and served in the Kenton/Hardin County community his entire life. He was a trusted banker, beginning his early career as a teller at The First National Bank, rising to the office of Executive Vice President of Huntington Bank and finally President of Liberty National Bank. He held the elected office of Kenton City Treasurer for 28 years.
Lou was a highly respected member of the Masonic community for more than 65 years serving in Blue Lodge, Commandery, Shriners and Eastern Star. He was a 32nd Degree Master Mason. His highest honor was serving as District Deputy Grand Master of the 10th District of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
He was very proud of his work with the Hardin County Sheriff’s VIPS program (Volunteer In Police Service), donning his uniform as recently as this past September for the Hardin County Fair.
Lou enjoyed fishing, especially with his son & grandson and good friends as part of the Trophy Bassmasters of Kenton. And, he was an avid OSU Buckeye and Cincinnati Reds fan.
He was a life-long member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church, serving as Trustee and Elder.
Most of all, Lou was a family man doting on his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. Nothing meant more to him than his family who will miss him greatly.
Services will be held at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Kenton on Thursday, December 29. The family will receive visitors from 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., followed by a Masonic Service at 12:45 p.m. and a Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lou’s honor & memory to Hospice Care (Universal Home Health & Hospice, 921 Rush Ave, Bellefontaine, OH 43311 – www.uhcinc.org). or Trinity United Presbyterian Church (301 W Columbus St, Kenton, OH 43326 419-673-2173).
The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton is assisting the family with arrangements. Thoughts and condolences may be shared with the family via pricefh.net.
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