James Downen

Columbus

James Warren Downen, 93, of Columbus, passed away at 3:53 p.m. Monday, January 30, 2017, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Warren was born on April 4, 1923, in Ridgeway, Illinois, to Norval and Madaline (Edwards) Downen. He married Roma (Staten) Downen in Dec. 1948.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II,when he was in France, Belgium and Germany from 1942-1945. Following the war, he attended the University of Evansville, graduating in 1949. He was employed as a Cost and Budget Analyst for 30 years by Chrysler Corp. in Evansville, and then Kokomo, Indiana. He retired in 1988. Warren and Roma moved to Columbus in 1989.

Warren was a 70-year member of Reed Masonic Lodge #316 F&AM of Evansville, High Twelve Club and a former member of The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He belonged to the Golden K Kiwanis, Mill Race Center and Asbury United Methodist Church. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and a Colts fan.

Warren and Roma loved to travel and had many memorable trips and cruises through the years. He loved to fish, and family trips to Kentucky Lake every summer were a pleasure for many years.

Survivors include his wife; daughter, Cynthia Funkey of Columbus; granddaughters, Melissa and Nichole Funkey, both of Washington, D.C.; and a sister, Sue (Charles) David of Huntsville, Alabama.

Preceding Warren in death was his son-in-law, Dr. Richard Funkey.

The funeral will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Blystone officiating. Calling will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and one hour prior to the service Thursday at the funeral home. Entombment will be at Garland Brook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or Just Friends Adult Day Services through Mill Race Center.

You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the internet.

www.jewellrittman.com