Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Downey.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 11, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you Hero and your family for your sacrifice and service. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 12, 2019

Officer Downey,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice as a LEO. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 12, 2019

Will was married to my sister, Marlene, who died a few years later in an automobile accident. The orphaned children, James and Celeste, were raised by my sister, Marsha and her husband. In spite of all the trauma in their early lives, the children have become fine human beings. Unfortunately, Will and Marlene never got to see them grow up, nor did they have the joy of knowing their beautiful granddaughter. Will, you protected all of us by confronting those violent criminals, but it cost you and your family so much. We will always love and miss you.

Sister-in-law, Marion

February 25, 2017

James has grown to be a kind, generous, thoughtful man, an artist and writer, who has turned the losses of his youth to wisdom in adulthood.

Anonymous
Friend

January 6, 2015

I remember when this occurred, I lived as a child at 1335 Mt. Olive, in University City, though I only knew Officer Guitar whom lived across the street, and whom sparked the interest in law enforcement for me. However though it's been a long time ago I thoughts and prayers go to the family member that have lived through this all these years, though gone never forgotten. I too lost my father three years ago in a line of duty death.

Jerry Wayne Hicks
Madison County

October 30, 2014

My parents were good friends with officer Downey and his wife. I was only 7 when he was shot but I remember my Mom getting the call from Marlene, I remember my Mom screaming and then both of my parents crying. I remember the kids comming over to our house shortly after the funeral Jamie little older than me and his sister little younger. I wonder if his murderers are still in prison?
No amount of money is worth the pain and loss they caused that day.

Lynn

Lynn Schrader
Family Friend

June 19, 2013

I was a friend of his son James at the time of his murder it was a shock. A few years later the children lost their mother also.

mike

June 28, 2012

Thanks for your services.

David

February 22, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Larry was born the same day that you were killed and I like to think he continued the legacy you left that day of protecting and serving.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 2, 2009

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 6, 2007

To the family of Wilbert Downey and all my close friends at the University City Police Department, my continued deepest sympathy to you all.

Although this incident happened many years ago, it has remained etched in my memory as has the memory of the many good years Wilbert and my father worked together making their city a safer place to live.

I hope you all continue to find the peace and comfort of the Lord that I know Wilbert found in his new assignment.

Peter Damos
St. Louis County Police ( 1975 - 1981 )
U.S. Secret Service - San Antonio

Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge
U.S. Secret Service - San Antonio

April 21, 2005

Officer Downey, May you rest in peace.

PO Tim Tumbrink
Saint Louis Police Department

January 13, 2005