Dr. Thomas F. Downey

Tom was born on July 10, 1947, to Robert and Emma (Bowman) Downey. During his Sophomore year at Purdue University, he met Judy Claeys and they were married in June of 1968. They raised two children, Christopher and Camille.

Tom graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1969. He worked for Union Oil for three years and acquired his pilot's license before pursuing his medical degree at Indiana University and graduating in 1976 as a Doctor of Medicine. In 1980, Dr. Downey began his OB/GYN practice at the Woman's Clinic in Lafayette, Indiana. During his 37 years of practice, he held membership with the ACOG, worked weeknights at Riggs Community Center, and delivered over 7000 babies, including his very own son.

During his leisure time, Tom loved to travel with his family, watch his grandson play sports, and explore the world on a bike with anyone that would go along. Early in their marriage, Tom and Judy drove throughout the country to explore California, hike the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and canoe the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Canada. Some of their most memorable destinations with the children include the family condo Florida, Rhode Island, and Maine as well as outside the country to France and Belize. Tom’s passion for biking would always be a part of his many travels. For 20 years, he was a member of a local bike group doing multiple weekly rides and a yearly long-distance adventure trip. In 2014, during his most memorable bike excursion, Tom spent two months riding across the country. Above all, Tom was most proud of his two children. He loved to discuss theology, philosophy, and astronomy with his son, and medical procedures, healthcare, and craft beer with his daughter.

Tom is preceded in death by his father, Bob, and his mother, Emma. He is survived by his wife, Judy, his two children Christopher, PhD, and Camille, RN, his grandson Thomas, his two brothers Charles and Robert, 16 nieces and nephews, and 20 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Thomas F. Downey battled with ALS for over three years and passed with the single hope that a cure will be found someday so no one will have to endure the suffering of this horrible disease. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, no public funeral services will be held. The family requests that anyone wishing to honor the life of Thomas F. Downey make a contribution to the ALS Association in his name.

Leppert Mortuary – Carmel Chapel, Carmel, Indiana assisting with arrangements. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.