Marlin Ray Downey

A loving, Christian, “old school” father, “Da”, “Honey” and “Unc”, Marlin Ray Downey lived his humble life building a family legacy that will last a lifetime for generations to come. Marlin touched many lives with his quiet, witty and unassuming nature, all the while courageously battling a weakened heart. His heart may have been weak physically, yet ironically, it was the strength of his spiritual “heart” that made him the man his family respected most.

Marlin was born in Irene, TX on August 25, 1936 and went home to Jesus on May 17, 2016 at home surrounded by his loved ones.

Marlin Downey was a respected engineer for T.I./Raytheon for 40 years. He served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. Marlin loved woodworking, reading and singing Christian music in his church choir.

Marlin is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Bee Downey; his daughter, Tammy and husband, Ben Hogan; son, Mark Allen Downey and wife, Kimberly; grandchildren, Maci and husband, Cody Drown and Derian Downey; great-grandchildren, Dixon and Dane Drown; brother-in-law, Jim O’Bryant; sister, Sandra Mims; many cherished nieces and nephews; and many “brothers and sisters” from the Corsicana State Orphan’s Home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Duward and Jewel Downey; siblings, Jetta Gray, EvaLetta Parker, Claude “Dew” Guidry, Billie Rawls, Cleophus “Tex” Downey; sister-in-law, Betty O’Bryant; nephews, Donnie Gray, Dean Gray and Jimmy O’Bryant; nieces, Sandra Phillips; many “sisters and brothers” from the State Orphan’s Home.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Charles W. Smith and Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M., Friday, May 20, 2016 at Charles W. Smith and Sons Chapel in Sachse with Rev. Jim Everidge officiating. Interment will follow at Sachse Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Marlin Downey, Class of 1955, to: State Orphan’s Home Alumni Association Cemetery Project, c/o Lyn Emery Taylor, 1818 Maplewood, Corsicana, TX 75110.