Michael Hugh Downey

Michael Hugh Downey, age 87, of White Hall, Maryland, passed away peacefully                                                                               on September 6, 2023. Born on July 7, 1936 in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the
son of the late Warren and Myrtle (Lantz) Downey and husband of the late Edna
(Clayton) Downey. Born deaf, Michael attended the Maryland School for the Deaf
in Frederick, Maryland, where he met his future wife, Edna. They were married in
October 1959, and together they raised four children. The family enjoyed many
vacation camping trips with friends and family, giving all wonderful memories.
Michael and Edna were blessed with 58 ½ years together.
His highest joy was Jesus, the Word of God, and he spent much time reading and
studying the Bible. He was a long-standing member of the Deaf Reformed Church
where he served as a deacon, and he loved his church family. He was a beloved
husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather taking great delight in and
celebrating all of their successes, while helping and encouraging them in their
challenges.
Michael had a natural (he would say God-given) gift toward learning how things
work. With this naturally curious mind, he was self-taught in many mechanical and
electrical skills, home repairs, and he also enjoyed woodworking. He was always
up to date on all the new and latest technologies and seemed to grasp them with
ease. He held many jobs during his life to include linotype operator, vacuum
salesperson, and installing light systems for the deaf. After his retirement from the
National Security Agency in 1998 as a data entry operator, he installed Sorenson
Video Relay systems for the deaf.
Michael is survived by his brother, Warren (Linda) Downey, children Hugh Downey,
Gary Downey, Karen (Eric) Staat, and Tom (Carolyn) Downey; 14 grandchildren; 10
great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and parents, Michael was preceded in death by brother,
Martin (and wife, Jean) Downey, and daughter-in-law, Marylu Downey.
Contributions may be made to Deaf Reformed Church, 494 Burletta Court,
Odenton, MD 21113, or Deaf Missions, 21199 Greenview Rd, Council Bluffs, IA
51503 https://www.deafmissions.com/about