Mr. Richard E. Downs, 91 of Calvert City, KY, formerly of Rochester, IN died on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at Calvert City Convalescent Center in Calvert City, KY. He was a member of Pathway Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Director for the boys AWANA group, and the Bus Ministry. He was a veteran of the US Army where he served in WWII. He was a former franchise owner of the Ben Franklin store in O’Fallon, IL and retired as manager of Southview Foods in O’Fallon, IL.
Born Monday, October 31, 1927 in Chicago, IL, he was the son of the late William Joel Downs and the late Lillian Louise (Schreyer) Rathman.
Surviving are son, Mark Downs (Jo Thieleman) of O’Fallon, IL, daughter, Debora Jones (Jim) of Calvert City, KY, grandchildren, Brandon Downs, Nick Downs, Natalie Routh, Justin Friedman, Justin Jones, Janissa Jones, and 8 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 70 years, Kathleen M. (McDougle) Downs, and brother, William “Bill” Downs.
A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Pathway Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Donald officiating.
No public visitation is scheduled.
Collier Funeral Home, Benton, KY is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.collierfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Gideons International Marshall Co. Camp, PO Box 206, Benton, KY 42025.