Robert Edward Downey, a native and resident of Sunflower, died Sept. 12, 2008 at the Washington County Hospital in Chatom at the age of 81. Downey served as an Army sergeant in the military police in Germany and Austria. He retired from Olin Chemical Co. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Joanna Downey.

Survivors inclulde his wife, Rosalee Downey of Sunflower; one daughter, Diane (Bubba) Walker of Leroy; a son, Larry Downey of Sunflower; brother, Dean (Reita) Downey of Sunflower; four sisters, Frances (Hubert) Turner of Albany, Ga., Lula (Ben) Knapp of Tibbie, and Bonnie (Ray) Johnston and Ann (John) Seibert, both of Sunflower; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were Sept. 13 at the Sunflower United Methodist Church with the Rev. Steve Foster officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery under the direction of St. Stephens Funeral Home in St. Stephens.

Pallbearers were Michael Sullivan, Chris Foster, Lane Downey, Davey Lankford, Troy Lankford and Mike Dickey.