Terry Downey

Terry Lee Downey, 81, of Geneva and formerly a longtime resident of rural Elwood, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, at Swiss Village in Berne after a long battle with Parkinson’s. He was born March 7, 1942, in Elwood to Oscar William “Bill” and Margaret (Hutchison) Downey. He was married May 19, 1971, to Nancy Jane Hardebeck, and they shared over 52 years of marriage together.
He was a 1960 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War where he was stationed stateside. He was co-owner and founder of Acura Tool & Gauge in Elwood. Later, he completed four years of training at General Motors Apprentice School in Anderson. He worked for the Delco Remy division of General Motors in Anderson (later Delphi Automotive) for 30 years as a tool maker and press engineer. He traveled extensively around the world with General Motors and was very passionate about his work.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood, and in recent years, he was also a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Decatur. He was also a longtime member of the Elwood Elks Lodge #368. He enjoyed sharing his love for traveling with his family. In his younger years, he enjoyed snowmobiling and motorcycle trips across America. He also enjoyed spending time on his boat and teaching many how to water ski. As life slowed down, he thoroughly enjoyed his grandkids sporting events.
He is survived by his wife of Geneva; son, Dennis Lee Downey of Milltown; daughter, Donita Jean (Mark) Bauman of Geneva; two sisters, Brenda (Ken) Giselbach of Kokomo; and Karen Stover of Elwood; eight grandchildren, Dylan (Savannah) Downey; Dalton (Keara) Andrew; Makenzie Andrew; Logan Bauman; Lukas Bauman; Lydia Bauman; Dakota Downey; and Dawson Downey; great-grandson, Miller Downey; sister-in-law, Barbara Rivers of Elwood; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two siblings, Patty (Bob) Lashure; and Michael “Billy” Downey; and his in-laws, Paul and Mary Hardebeck.
Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 5 from 5-7 p.m. at Downing and Glancy Funeral Home in Geneva and two hours prior to the celebration of life and legacy service Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Officiating will be Father Dennis Goth. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Elwood. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Air Force and Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to Rock Steady Boxing of Warren through the funeral home.
Arrangements provided by Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.