Paul Downey, 86, of Navarre, Florida, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2017.

Paul was a native of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, and was the second of eight children born to the late John and Wilhelmina Downey. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy and the United States Navy Reserve, serving during the Korean War period. He retired from Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax, Virginia, as Lieutenant of the Traffic Division. Paul was a member of St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Navarre, Florida, where he achieved the level of 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus.

Paul had a profound love for his family. His legacy lives on through his wife of 55 years, Phyllis; his daughter, Stephanie Leidelmeijer, of Acworth, Georgia; and his son and daughter, Anthony Downey and Paula Dahlgren, both of Navarre, Florida. He was also an adoring grandfather of eight.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 21, 2017, at St. Sylvester Catholic Church. A private burial ceremony will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida, at a later date. Lewis Funeral Home, Navarre Chapel, has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to Little Sisters of the Poor, Mobile, Alabama, or the Fairfax County Police Honor Guard, Fairfax, Virginia.

* BY MAIL:
Little Sisters of the Poor
Sacred Heart Residence
1655 McGill Avenue
Mobile, Alabama 36604-1218
* ONLINE: www.littlesistersofthepoormobile.org/
* PHONE: (251) 476-6335


* BY MAIL:
Fairfax County Police Honor Guard
4100 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
* Online: FCPDHonorGuard@fairfaxcounty.gov
* BY PHONE: 703-449-7289