Sheridan Downey

Sheridan W. Downey, 87, of Reinbeck, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2014, at Parkview Manor in Reinbeck, Iowa, while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. Sheridan donated his body to the University of Iowa for medical research. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 26, 2014 at the Salem Church of Lincoln. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday September 25, 2014 at the Salem Church of Lincoln. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Cedar Valley Hospice or Salem Church of Lincoln.
Sheridan was born on September 1, 1927, in Reinbeck, Iowa; the son of Wayne and Henrietta (Smith) Downey. He was raised in Reinbeck and graduated from Reinbeck High School in the Class of 1946. He farmed a short time after graduating until he was called into the service. He served in the U.S. Army from March 22, 1951 to October 26, 1951. Following his discharge he returned to the family farm where he continued to farm with his son until shortly before his death. Sheridan was united in marriage to Mary Lou Becker on June 10, 1954 at the Methodist Church in Elgin, Iowa. They made rural Reinbeck their home. He enjoyed traveling and attending all GR sporting events.
Sheridan was a member of the Salem Church of Lincoln. He was a member of Farm Bureau, Cattlemen's Association and the American Legion.
Sheridan is survived by his wife Mary Lou, of Reinbeck; four children, Deanna (James) Spear, Pam (Doug) Davis, Daryl (Karla) Downey, Jana (Mark) Bystricky all of Reinbeck; eleven grandchildren, Jeremy (Jennifer) Spear, Joshua Spear, Jennifer Spear, Carrie (Kent) Theesfeld, Candace (Tyson) Brown, Cassie (Wayne) Sidles, Chelsea (Nathan) Cheville. Alyssa (Nicholas) Linderer, Hayley Downey, Brock Bystricky and Carsen Bystricky; 12 great- grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren; 8 step great-grandchildren; 2 step great-great grandchildren; and 7 cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.