Frank C. Downey (1917)

DOWNEY, NELSON, STOTTS

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 5/30/2020 at 07:02:10

The Stuart Herald
Stuart, Iowa
May 25, 1917
Page 4, Columns 4 & 5

Frank C. Downey, born and raised in Dexter, and until three years ago making that his home, was buried there last Thursday afternoon. He was born November 10, 1873 and was 43 years, 6 months and 5 days old at the time of his death. He graduated from the Dexter High school in 1890. He was associated with his father, Jas. S. Downey, in the mercantile business there for some years. In 1897 he was appointed postmaster at Dexter and served almost seventeen years in that capacity. His father, Jas. S. Downey, was one of the best known men in that county for many years.

December 6, 1900 he was married to Miss Annet B. Nelson of Dexter. Two children, Margaret and the little boy, Jimmie, with his wife survive him. The mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Downey lives with the only sister, Mrs. O. D. Stotts, at Yale. Mr. Downey had moved to Manson three years ago where he had a good business until illness caused him to leave the store in a large measure. He had been ill for five or six months and there had been hope of his recovery. But some three weeks ago his daughter, Margaret was ill and had an operation for a mastoid trouble. This so worried him that they thought it best to take him to Yale to the home of his sister, Mrs. Stotts. He died there Tuesday afternoon.

They brought the body direct to Dexter where the funeral services were held. Rev. W. E. Goff preaching the sermon. His death was greatly deplored at his hold home town as well as at Manson where he had made many warm friends during the three years he was in business there.

Several from Manson attended the funeral at Dexter driving through with auto. Frank C. Downey was a manly, generous man. Kind to his family and always thoughtful of his widowed mother. He filled a large place in the Dexter community, for he was always active in everything for the benefit of the town. He was active having that trait from his father who was for many years a moving spirit in Dexter and Frank largely took his place in all those local activities. It was a sympathizing group of friends that gathered in the beautiful cemetery that warm afternoon to put the body away in its last resting place. Flowers were placed on the casket and in the grave in profusion, emblems of the affection they held for him and a tender tribute to the family as well. Frank Downey had friends wherever he was known. A thoughtful, honest loyal man of generous impulse who was full of courage when he knew that his illness was fatal.
---C. C. Pugh