MOGMRDowney

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D. ROBERT DOWNEY 1927-2012

RDowney.jpg

Picture courtesy of Missouri Lodge of Research Archive

Grand Master, 1991-1992

BIOGRAPHY

From Missouri Lodge of Research:

D. Robert Downey was born on May 13, 1927 in St Louis, Missouri. He was educated in the St Louis Public Schools and held an Associate of Arts Degree from Harris Teachers College and a Bachelor of Architecture from Washington University. Prior to college, Brother Downey served on active duty in the Navy Reserve from 1944 to 1946 and in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1946 to 1954. He was called to active duty in Korea in 1950.

He was President and Managing Principle of Murphy, Downey, Wofford & Richman Architects from 1970 until his retirement in 1996.

His Masonic career began with his petition to Pligrim Lodge No 562 in 1948 for the degrees. He was raised to the Degree of Master Mason on February 16, 1949 and served the Lodge as Master in 1980. Through the consolidation of Pilgrim Lodge No 562 with Webster Groves Lodge No 48 in July of 1983, he became a member of Webster Groves Lodge.

He served as DDGM of the 57th Masonic District in 1982 and was appointed to the advancing line of the Grand Lodge in 1984 by Grand Master Vern Schneider. He served on the Board of Directors of the Masonic Home from 1983 to 1986 and again from 1988 to 1992

Brother Downey designed the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Missouri Flag and authorized the Prevention of Substance Abuse Among Children Program, which today is the Masonic Children's Foundation who's program is MoChip.

He was a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of St Louis and was coroneted a 33rd degree on November 23, 1991. He was a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, the York Rite, the York 'Rite Sovereig College, the York Rite College, He was a member of the Ray V. Denslow Chapter, Allied Masonic Degrees, Moolah Shrine where he served as President of the Ceremonial Cast, the Royal Order of Jesters, National Sojourners and the Hero's of 76.

He married Norma Stallings in 1954 and were the parents of four children, Kevin, Karen, Keith, and Kimberly.

Brother Downey passed away on April 5, 2012. Masonic services were conducted by Right Worshipful Brother David Haywood, Junior Grand Warden at the request of Grand Master Hess.


Missouri Grand Masters