OBITUARY: William J. "Bill" Downen

William J. "Bill" Downen, age 89, longtime Shawneetown resident, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, at St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville, Ind.

Bill was born on the family farm northeast of Ridgway on May 9, 1925, to the late Emmitt and Delilah (Wilson) Downen. In 1950 he married Donna (Patton) Downen who survives. Bill was self employed and had been involved in many facets of Downen Enterprises his entire life. He farmed, was involved with the coal mines, trucking, dredging and excavating. He loved to fish but his real passion was his old trucks especially noted for his Diamond T that he drove in parades and around the community. Bill was always a hard worker but always had a kind word and smile for you. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend and will be missed.

Bill is survived by his wife Donna of Shawneetown; a daughter, Debbie (Butch) Medlin of Omaha; a son Mike Downen of Shawneetown; four grandchildren, Ashlee (Matt) McClure, Michelle (Dave) Rehbein, Alicia (Wade) Gibbons and Abby Downen; five great-grandchildren, Hayes McClure, Tyler and Shane Hall and Will J. and Jacob Gibbons; one great-great-grandchild, Kason Hall; four brothers, Bob (Betty) Downen of Shawneetown, Ed (Judy) Downen of Omaha, Don (Amy) Downen of Ridgway and Andy (Sissy) Downen of Omaha.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Terry and Tommy; and two sisters, Anna Lee and Carolyn.

Visitation for Bill was 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway. His funeral immediately followed starting at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Wade Halva officiating. Interment was in Asbury Cemetery northeast of Ridgway. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or Diabetes Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

You may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com