Larry and Nancy Downey

Larry W. Downey, 88, passed away Monday, March 25^th, 2024 at the Village Care Center in Lee’s Summit, MO.  Larry was born to Kenneth Downey and Isabelle (Van Matre) Downey on June 26, 1935 in Butler, MO.  He was the only child of Ken and Isabelle, and grew up in Adrian, MO, where he graduated from Adrian High School in 1953.  He married Nancy (Casterline) Downey on August 10, 1963 in Liberty, MO, and together they shared 60 wonderful years together, including three children and four grandchildren.

Larry attended Central Missouri State University (now Univ. of Central Missouri) in Warrensburg, MO and graduated with a B.S. in Business Education in 1957.  From there, he attended Colorado State College (now University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley, CO, earning his Masters Degree in Education in 1961.  He started his teaching career in Urich, MO before transferring to North Kansas City High School for a few years, and then taught business and economics at Winnetonka High School in the North Kansas City School district, while also painting houses in the summers.  Larry retired from teaching in 1989, after which he operated his own house painting business for an additional decade plus.

In his spare time, Larry was fond of gardening, reading novels, spending time with his family and friends, playing cards, and following his favorite sports teams.  He was quick to laugh, to forgive, and loved to tell stories and jokes.  He had a deep faith, kind heart, and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of North Kansas City for well over 30 years, participating in the choir.  In 2010, he and Nancy moved to John Knox Village in Lee’s Summit, MO to live out their remaining days of retirement.

Larry was joined in the afterlife by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Nancy, just four days later on March 29^th, 2024.  He is survived by his children Beth Gagnon (Charlie) of San Luis Obispo, CA; Matt Downey of Kansas City, MO; and Drew Downey (Jacinda) of Minnetrista, MN; and his grandchildren whom he adored:  Perry Gagnon, Leighton Gagnon, Emelin Downey, and Foster Downey.  Contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www2.jdrf.org) or Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

Nancy L. (Casterline) Downey, 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 29th, 2024, at the Village Care Center in Lee’s Summit, MO.  Nancy was born to Foster Casterline and Katherine (West) Casterline on December 14, 1938 in Tulsa, OK.  She married Larry W. Downey on August 10, 1963 and enjoyed a wonderful life with him of over 60 years until his recent passing on Monday, March 25, 2024.  Together they had three children, and later enjoyed four grandchildren.

The majority of Nancy and her older brother Richard (Dick) Casterline’s childhood was spent in Liberty and North Kansas City.  She graduated from North Kansas City High School, and then attended William Jewell College where was a member of the Beta Sigma Omicron Sorority (now Zeta Tau Alpha).  She graduated with a degree in Elementary Education, going on to teach 5th and 6th grades at Meadowbrook Elementary School in the North Kansas City School District.  During this time, she met Larry, whom she married in 1963.  After their first child was born (Beth), Nancy decided to stay at home to raise their children until 1974, when she accepted, on a temporary basis, an administrator position with Oakhill Day School.  Little did she know that position would turn into a full-time, fulfilling labor of love, where she would make lifelong friends.  All told, Nancy was a Principal of Oakhill Day School for 26 years, retiring in May of 2000.  

Nancy’s primary “hobby” was lovingly caring for others:  her husband Larry; her children Beth, Matt, and Drew; and her mother Katie Casterline.  She also thoroughly enjoyed long lasting relationships with many cherished friends, playing cards, being a doting grandmother, and traveling throughout the U.S. with Larry and friends.  She had a deep Christian faith, and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of North Kansas City for over thirty years, serving on various committees and in the choir.  In 2010, Larry and Nancy moved to John Knox Village in Lee’s Summit, MO to live out their remaining days of retirement, where they would often have Friday night dinner and a movie date-night with close friends.  She was known by friends and family alike to possess a loving heart, sweet and kind disposition, selfless work ethic, ability to laugh at herself and with others, and generous nature.  

Nancy is survived by her three children:  Beth Gagnon (Charlie) of San Luis Obispo, CA; Matt Downey of Kansas City, MO; and Drew Downey (Jacinda) of Minnetrista, MN; and her four grandchildren whom she adored:  Perry Gagnon, Leighton Gagnon, Emelin Downey, and Foster Downey.  Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

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