Roger "Gene" Downey, 78, of St. Clair, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025.  He was born at the family home in St. Clair on October 10, 1946, to the union of Homer and Mayme (Hawkins) Downey.  He was united in marriage to Karen Halmich in St. Clair, on August 1, 1964.

Gene, as he was known to family and friends, worked as a setup man at Graphic Packaging in Pacific where he accrued 41 years of service before his retirement.  After retirement, he and Karen were always traveling to any place but home. His leisure time was often spent fishing, deer hunting, working on cars, working crossword puzzles or reading westerns. Most of all he cherished the time spent with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Mayme Downey; great granddaughter, Paeton Stephens; brother, Terry Downey; sister, Martha Best.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Karen Downey of St. Clair; Son, Robert Downey and wife Connie of Union; daughters, Robin Davis and husband Mike of St. Clair and Lynn Rumage of St. Louis, grandchildren, Brandi, Jamie (Seth), Robbie (Jessie), Andy, Bridgett (Chris), Tony (Michelle), Danielle, Dylan, Braelyn; many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.