Clifford Joseph Downey

Clifford Joseph Downey, age 81, of Pembroke, KY, passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at Jennie Stuart Medical Center of natural causes. The family has chosen cremation with a Graveside Interment Service to be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 13, 2021, at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery-West. Maddux-Fuqua-Hinton Funeral Home has been entrusted by the family to handle the arrangements. 

Mr. Downey was born in Xenia, OH, on February 25, 1940, the son of the late John Melvin and Mary Jean Knisley Downey. He graduated high school in Wilmington, OH. He served and retired after 20 plus years from the United States Army. During his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. His Bronze Star Citation was awarded to him for his heroism in connection with military actions involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam; Staff Sergeant Downey distinguished himself by valorous actions while serving as Squad Leader on an ambush patrol in the jungles of Vietnam. On this combat mission, Sergeant Downey’s squad was the lead element clearing a path of safety for other members of the unit. Suddenly, Sergeant Downey and his men came under intense artillery fire. In the initial bursts of the artillery rounds, Sergeant Downey was seriously wounded in both arms and legs. Without disregard for personal safety and although suffering much pain, Sergeant Downey struggled to his feet and shouted to his senior fire team leader to move the remainder of his squad out of the area of impact. Only after the danger had ceased did Sergeant Downey accept medical attention. Sergeant Downey’s personal bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army. Mr. Downey served 2 terms on the Pembroke KY City Council, for 16 years he worked Civil Service at Fort Campbell where he received Employee of the year in 1995, for 20 years he was a member of Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department and served as Assistant Fire Chief. He was a member of 16 plus years of the Christian County Police Auxiliary and awarded Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels in 1987. He loved hunting and watching Westerns.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Sharon Cummings Downey of Pembroke, KY; his son, Clifford Downey and his wife Jolinne of Millington, TN; his daughters, Laura Hendrick and her husband Daniel of Monmouth, OR, Diane Sweeney and her husband Jerry of Clifty, KY, Julie Burnham and her husband Jeff of Pembroke, KY; his brother, Gary Downey and his wife Connie of Wilmington, OH; he has eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

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