William Claudie "Bill" Downs

William Claudie ƒ?oBillƒ?? Downs Age: 79 years A resident of rural Marion, IL (Lake of Egypt) Passed away Saturday, February 11, 2006 at 6:56 AM at his home. Bill was born August 15, 1926 in the Golden Pond Community of Trigg County, Kentucky. Bill was the son of Nolen Claudie Downs and Euna (nee Downs) Downs. Bill was united in marriage to Susie Mae (Austin) on March 5, 1971 in South Forest Park, IL. She survives. Other Survivors include: 2 Sons: Ronald Paul & Jody Irwin of Bourbonnais, IL and Harry Clark & Patty Irwin of Odessa, TX 1 Daughter: Diana Pridemore of Beaumont, TX 6 Grandchildren: Kristian & Luke Shoffner of North Carolina; Harry Irwin, Jr. of Odessa, TX; Jennifer Marie Irwin of Odessa, TX; Danny Irwin of Bourbonnais, IL; and Andrew Pridemore of Beaumont, TX; and Austin Pridemore of Beaumont, TX. Nieces & Nephews: Tony & Debbie Boren of Hobart, IN; Patsy & Tim Willison of Cedar Lake, IN; and Peggy & Dan Holtzclaw of Waterford, MI. Great Nieces & Nephews: Michelle & Todd Woods of Elkhart, IN Mandie & Brian Howard of Chesterton, IN Missy & Bob Watkins of Osceola, IN Kim Willison of San Diego, CA Dana Willison of San Diego, CA Jonelle Willison of Schaumburg, IL Jennifer & Mark Hoinka of Southfield, MI Kallee & Craig Iverson of Waterford, MI Shari & Robin Scurr of Waterford, MI Great-Great Nieces & Great-Great Nephews: Brendon Iverson & Colby Iverson In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by: 1 Stepson: John Earl Irwin 1 Granddaughter: Candice Pridemore 1 Sister: Jerline (Ina) Boren Bill was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in the Pacific Theatre of Operations during World War II. He was a life-member of the Heyde-Pillow VFW Post in Marion, IL. Bill had been employed as a steel worker and later as a foreman with with L.T.V. Steel in Hammond, IN. He retired in 1975. Bill was a member of the Goreville First Baptist Church, where he had previously served as a teacher in the Sunday School department, and also as a church youth worker. Bill loved to donate his time to worthy causes and was an American Cancer Society volunteer. Bill enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting & fishing. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 13, 2006, at 10:00 AM at the Goreville First Baptist Church. Rev. Ron Ferguson will officiate. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery at Benton, IL. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Heyde-Pillow VFW Post #1301 and American Legion Post #147, both of Marion, IL. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Sunday, February 12, 2006 at the Goreville First Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 1110 North Johnson, Marion, IL 62959-1665; or to the Goreville First Baptist Church (Youth Ministries), 608 West Main Street, Goreville, IL 62939.

William Claudie "Bill" Downs

August 15, 1926 - February 11, 2006