Rufus Lee Downey, 90, passed away on September 29, 2026, in his long-time family home in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Born to Walter Jack Downey and Nora (Baughns) Downey in Winston County Alabama in April 1936, Lee was the youngest boy of his family.

After moving with his family to Indiana in his teens, Lee married at the age of 19 and had 4 children with his first wife. Although the marriage ended, Lee went on to meet and marry the love of his life, Patricia, and became the proud Father of 7 children whom he raised hands on well into adulthood. Their marriage lasted 53 wonderful years, until Patrica's passing in 2020.

Being a long time employee of Stokley Van Camp/Quaker Oats allowed Lee the time to be a Boy and Cub Scout Leader, a Little League Coach, a school and church volunteer, and a great mentor to his big family, which he enjoyed immensely throughout his life.

Lee enjoyed many years of being in a bowling league with his wife, running paper routes with several of his children, watching WWE wrestling, the Alabama Roll Tide, and the Indianapolis Colts with his children and grandchildren, going to the Indianapolis Speedrome to watch figure 8 races, playing cards with family and friends, having family get togethers with his siblings families, and working at St Francis hospital well into his retirement years.

Rufus Lee Downey was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather and friend, who was as honest, loyal, and compassionate as they come. They certainly don't make men like him anymore.

Lee will be lovingly remembered by his sisters Bertha Parsley (Brad), and Pat Collins, his daughters Melody Perry (Charlie), Doris Cleaver (Patrick), Cathy Enochs (Wayne), & his sons Tony Downey (Susan), Joe Downey, and Allan James; as well as his daughter-in-law, Becky Downey; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, as well as the many nieces, nephews, and friends he loved in his life.

In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in rest by his loving wife Patricia Downey; his youngest son, Robert Lee Downey; grandson Joseph Downey; granddaughter Jessica Downey; sister Doris Jewell; and his brothers, Oneal and Roger Downey. 

.