George Matthew Downey

George Matthew Downey

March 6, 1956 – August 5, 2026

George Matthew Downey passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Collinsville, Oklahoma. Born March 6, 1956, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the second of four children to John P. and Marie A. Downey. George attended St. Eugene's Catholic School and later Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, graduating with the class of 1974. He earned a degree in Industrial Arts from Central State University, graduating in 1979. He developed lifelong friendships from his early years in Catholic schools and remained a good friend to many. He went on to work for his father's oil company, Downey Oil, as a pumper in the field for several years. He later worked for Farm Bureau Insurance and eventually joining GATX Railcar Company as a welder for 15 years until his retirement. As a young man, he and his brother Mark rebuilt cars in the garage for fun, and the two traveled the country together to car races, including the Indianapolis 500. Tinkering remained a lifelong passion, from old cars and equipment to lawn mowers, and he loved a good auction. He was also an animal lover, always keeping orange cats and labs close by. He especially cherished spending time with his daughter Gretchen, and the two of them made a weekend tradition of going out to eat and visiting Atwoods together. He also loved to swing on his porch and watch the deer on his property. George and his wife Debbie Brake Downey were married in 1981 and were parents to three children, Ian (Haley) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Wesley of Tuttle, Oklahoma, and sweet Gretchen. In his later years, George was never too busy to reach out to a family member to catch up, or have breakfast with his dear friend Steve Caffey, a friendship he cherished. He remained especially close to his many cousins in Nebraska throughout his life. George was preceded in death by his father, John P. Downey, and brother-in-law, Bob Fitzpatrick Jr, and is survived by his wife, Debbie Downey, his children, his mother, Marie A. Downey, siblings Mark (Lisa) Downey, Mary Fitzpatrick, and Patricia Downey Dean (Matt), and many nieces and nephews. George will be remembered for his jovial good nature and his always-present chuckle. Services will be held at 10:00 am, August 11, 2026, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Collinsville, OK.