Obituary of Paul Ray Downey

Paul Ray Downey, 73, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024. The husband of Ellen Downey, Paul was born April 10, 1951, to the late Gilbert and Katherine Sutherland Downey in Danville, Kentucky. A Kentucky Colonel and member of Versailles Baptist Church, Paul was a retired Quality Engineer in the automotive industry and worked with the United Way. He was very sports oriented and an avid UK basketball and football fan. Paul enjoyed being outdoors and working in his yard, but most of all, loved traveling with Ellen.  

In addition to his loving wife of 41 years, Ellen Downey of Frankfort, Paul is survived by his daughters, Rachel (James Cox) Downey of Colorado and Erin (Tony) Colbaugh of Alabama; his sister, JoAnn Melton of Berea; and granddaughters, Laynie Cox and MacKenzie Colbaugh. 

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Katherine Sutherland Downey and sisters, Dorse Downey and Barbara Downey Miles.  

A Funeral Service will be held 1:00pm, Friday, May 10, 2024, at Versailles Baptist Church with Pastors Conner Alford and Jonathan Berry officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Crest Cemetery, Versailles with James Cox, Tony Colbaugh, Jay Doleman, James Spates, Kent Harley, and Tim Dudek serving as Pallbearers. The Eternal Connection Sunday School Class at Versailles Baptist Church will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 11:00am until the time of service, at the church on Friday.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests Memorial Donations be made to the Versailles Baptist Church Senior Adults Ministry, 125 East Green Street, Versailles, KY 40383.