Robert D. Downs

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Robert Dean "Bob" Downs, 79, of Jacksonville, formerly of Du Quoin, passed away at 1:50 p.m., Thursday, October 2, 2008 at his residence.

Bob had worked as a coal miner in mine rescue at Freeman United Coal Company. He was a member of Jacksonville Lutheran Church. He was a Corporal in the U.S. Army.

He was born January 31, 1929 at St. Johns, the son of Henry and Rosmond (Miller) Downs.

He married Patricia Ann Bennett on December 14, 1947 at Colorado Springs, Colo., and she preceded him in death on December 14, 1983. He then married Ila Mae Downs on April 4, 1988 at Cherokee Village, Ariz., and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Jacksonville, one son - Mike Downs and wife Karen of Auburn, two daughters - Gaila Glass of Virden, and Karen Bauer and husband Don of Hamilton, Ohio, two step children - Karen Mayfield of Jacksonville, and Steve Wilson of Minnesota, one sister - Marge Howerton of Du Quoin, five grandchildren - Brad Downs, Jeff Downs, Patricia Downs, Robert Downs, and Adam Downs, and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, one daughter - Janet Downs, and two brothers.

Funeral services will be at 7 p.m., Monday, October 6, 2008, at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Bill Brooks officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Per Mr. Downs' request, cremation will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or American Lung Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.