John Ray Downey

John Ray Downey, age 82, passed away at home on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

John was born on January 14, 1943, in Dodge City, Kansas, to Helen Victoria (Jackson) Downey and John Francis Downey. He was raised in Buffalo, Oklahoma, and graduated from Buffalo High School in 1962. He went on to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University and later the University of Oklahoma.

John met the love of his life, Lavae Vyvonne Allen, on his very first day of grade school. His mother, Helen, often recalled that he came home that day and declared, "I'm going to marry that girl." And he did. John and Lavae were married on September 7, 1962, and were blessed with 62 years of loving marriage. Together, they raised two sons, John Todd and Brian, and made their home in Yukon, Oklahoma.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, John brought joy to those around him through his lifelong love of sports, both as a player and a coach. He often coached his sons' Little League teams, led Cub Scout groups, and enjoyed years of camping, hunting, fishing, and skiing—both on water and snow. John never missed a chance to support his grandchildren, attending every special event with pride and enthusiasm. His deep love for Lavae and his family was the foundation of his life, and his presence will be missed dearly.

John had a long and fulfilling career as a Petroleum Landman, a profession that took him across the country and introduced him to lifelong friends and colleagues.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Lavae Downey, of the home; son John Todd Downey and his wife Townie of Midwest City; son Brian Downey and his wife Terri of Oklahoma City;  brother Fran (F.L.) Downey of Maysville; brother-in-law Jerry Allen and wife Kay of Guymon; sister-in-law Janice Barnicoat and husband Dale of Portland, Tennessee; grandchildren: Rebekah Downey, of Pink; Dr. McKenzie Kerner and husband Richard, of Oklahoma City; Ethan John Downey and fiancée Anesia Aguirre, of Oklahoma City; Calen Fife, wife Christa, and daughter Celeste, of Midwest City; Brandon Grissam, wife Sara, and children Jayden and Emma, of Midwest City; Kyle Grissam, wife Morgan, and children Bentley, Dayton, and Cooper, of Harrah; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and John Downey; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Adella Allen; brother Dennis Paul Downey; brother-in-law Larry Rea Allen; and sister-in-law Sue Downey.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 20th at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd in Yukon, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John's memory to United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd or NewView Oklahoma – Center for Low Vision and Blindness in Oklahoma City, OK.