John Alexander Downey

John Alexander Downey, 54, Whitehouse Station, NJ formerly of Lawrence, died on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, NJ. A devoted husband and father, he was surrounded by his family. The cause was upper gastrointestinal cancer.

John was born on May 22, 1969, in Kirkwood, MO, the son of Joseph Leo and Sherry Ann (Alexander) Downey. He was the youngest of four children. 

John loved his faith, family, and helping people in need through volunteering at his local food pantries. He will be remembered for his politeness, thoughtfulness, and showing every person he met respect and kindness. He had a unique sense of humor. His family knew him for crafting delicious Sunday brunches, preparing fun cookouts, and creating memorable experiences tailored just for them. He also loved Advent and Christmas, and started many heartwarming traditions the family will carry on in his memory.

He attended H. H. Dow High School in Midland, Michigan, and finished his senior year at Brebeuf Jesuit School in Indianapolis in the Class of 1987. He received a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering in 1994 from Kansas State University.

John met his future wife, Shannan Leigh Seely, at a sophomore honorary meeting at K-State in 1989. They dated in college and went their separate ways. Several years later, they reconnected. He married Shannan on Dec. 2, 2000, in Manhattan, KS. 

John worked for Colgate Palmolive as Associate Manager, Global Industrial Hygiene. He was a world traveler for work and leisure, including places like France (his favorite), Belgium, China, Dominica, and South Africa. John earned professional certifications as a Certified Industrial Hygienist, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, and Certified Safety Professional. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Annandale, NJ.

John is survived by his wife, two daughters, Claire Michelle Downey, and Bronwyn Leigh Downey at home. Other survivors include his mother, Sherry (Alexander) Downey of Manhattan, KS, two sisters, Laura Downey of Manhattan, KS, Barbara Downey (Joe Carpenter) of Wamego, KS, and brother, Charles Downey (Nancy) of Wamego, KS. In addition, he had a large extended family of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and cousins. He was an uncle to five nieces and one nephew, Patricia Bruen, Michael Skochdopole, Anna and Laura Carpenter, Brooke Ruegsegger (Jeremy) and Nicole Theno.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 ~ 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 7, 2024, with a 6:00 p.m. Rosary Recitation at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, KS. Afterwards, a luncheon will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

The family invites friends and relatives to join them in his Celebration of Life at 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024, venue: Blue Sage Barn at Prairiewood in Manhattan, KS. He wished for people to gather and share in his favorite interests of life: enjoying food and drinks, being together with loved ones, and making cherishable memories. Please come and enjoy reminiscing about John’s beautiful life and the wonderful moments we experienced with him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to their own local food pantry or food bank, The Raritan (NJ) Food Pantry, Princeton (NJ) Area Mobile Food Pantry, or Trenton (NJ) Area Soup Kitchen and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence, go to warrenmcelwain.com.