Terry Lee Downey , age 81 of Geneva and formerly a longtime resident of rural Elwood, passed away on Jan. 30, 2024 at Swiss Village in Berne after a long battle with Parkinson's.  He was born March 7, 1942 in Elwood, the son of Oscar William "Bill" and Margaret (Hutchison) Downey.  Terry was a 1960 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood.  He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam War where he was stationed stateside.  Terry 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.  Terry 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 G.M. and was very passionate about his work.  Terry married Nancy Jane Hardebeck on May 19, 1971, and they shared over 52 years of marriage together.

Terry was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood, and in recent years was also a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Decatur.  He was also a longtime member of the Elwood Elks Lodge #368.  Terry 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.

Terry's family includes his wife, Nancy Downey of Geneva; son, Dennis Lee Downey of Milltown; daughter, Donita Jean (Mark) Bauman of Geneva; 2 sisters, Brenda (Ken) Giselbach of Kokomo and Karen Stover of Elwood; 8 grandchildren, Dylan (Savannah) Downey, Dalton (Keara) Andrew, Makenzie Andrew, Logan Bauman, Lukas Bauman, Lydia Bauman, Dakota Downey, and Dawson Downey; a great-grandson, Miller Downey; sister-in-law, Barbara Rivers of Elwood; and several nieces and nephews.  Terry was preceded in death by his parents; 2 siblings, Patty (Bob) Lashure and Michael "Billy" Downey; and his in-laws, Paul and Mary Hardebeck.

A funeral service celebrating Terry's life and legacy will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Father Dennis Goth officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Elwood and will include military honors by the U.S. Air Force and Elwood V.F.W. honor guard.  Visitation will be held on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 at Downing & Glancy Funeral Home in Geneva from 5 to 7 pm.  Visitation will also be held on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 from 12 to 2 pm prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Rock Steady Boxing of Warren through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.