Myron Criswell Downey, 40, of De Soto died Sept. 29, 2020. Trooper Downey had a 20-year career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He spent many years of his childhood traveling the country with his father, and spending time with his grandparents in Seminole, Okla. He moved to Houston, Mo., and worked at OK Tire Co. while attending high school. He graduated from Houston High School in 1994 and attended Missouri State University and graduated from Mineral Area College with an associate degree in criminal justice. In February 1998 he was accepted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy. He served in G Troop and later as a gaming agent in St. Louis. Born Jan. 21, 1976, in Columbia, he was the son of Ken Downey of Columbia and the late Diane Criswell.
In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife: Debra (Wells) Downey of De Soto, with whom he eloped; and his son: Mason Downey, with whom he enjoyed attending Cardinals baseball games, deer hunting, and going to auctions
He was preceded in death by a brother: Corey Pachmayr; his grandparents: Walter and Helen Downey; and his close family friend, Karen Yates.
A seizure disorder forced the end of Trooper Downey’s career, after which he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. He began working with non-profit groups and mental health professionals around the country, and he found a passion for helping fellow law enforcement officers who were struggling in the same way. Unfortunately, he lost his own mental health battle during an alcoholic relapse and took his own life. He had been determined to fight against the stigma attached to mental illness in veterans and first responders, and his family asks that his friends continue to help fight this battle by directing memorials to Blue Help at www.bluehelp.org.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Evans Funeral Home in Houston, officiated by Cody Neugebauer. Arrangements were under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.