Durbin Downey

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PRINCETON — Durbin H. Downey, 83, of Princeton died Friday, Dec. 26, 2008, at Colonial Hall Care Center in Princeton.

He was born May 23, 1925, in Princeton to Durbin R. and Ruth (McKutcheon) Parr-Downey.

He graduated from Princeton High School and attended the University of Arizona and Northwestern University. He was in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, where he was trained as a navigator. He also served during Korea and was also involved in strategic air command during the cold war. He was previously married to June Wiltz.

He was an accomplished piano entertainer locally, regionally and nationally. His stage name was Derby O’Downey. He wrote a piano teaching method record which was widely used. He wrote the state song for the 150th anniversary of the state of Illinois. He was an author, inventor and realtor. He was an active member of the Church of the Transfiguration, and was also a member of the American Legion and the National Association of Realtors for more than 50 years. He restored homes, was a real estate developer, and has a street named after him, Downey Drive in Princeton.

Surviving are two children, Durbin Downey Jr. of Northern California and Deb (Jeremy) Michaels of Gillette, Wyo.; and two grandchildren, Julian and Eva Michaels.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Harold E. Parr; and one sister, Doris P. Leonard.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in the Norberg Memorial Home, Princeton, with Father Michel J. Pugin, O.S.B., officiating. Burial will be in the Sheffield Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the services in the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.