Kenneth Downen

Kenneth R. "Ron" Downen, 70, of Norris City passed away at 4:47 a.m., Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado. He was born April 15, 1945 in Eldorado, IL the son of Kenneth R. and Bertha (Hall) Downen. Ron grew up in Omaha, graduating from Norris City-Omaha High School in 1963 after which he attended McKendree College in Lebanon, IL. Ron married his high school sweetheart, Judith Lynn Singleton, on December 19, 1964. Ron's working career was with the airline and travel industry. He and Judy retired and moved back to Norris City in 2005.

Ron was an active member of New Hope General Baptist Church where he was a deacon and served as Sunday School Superintendent. He was active with the Norris City Alumni Association and in recent years enjoyed working part time for the Wabash Christian Retirement Center in Carmi as a driver. Ron was a "people person" who never met a stranger. He was an optimist with a great sense of humor, loved sports (especially the St. Louis Cardinals and Florida Gators). He also had an avid interest in birds, especially purple martins.

Ron is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judy; a daughter and son-in-law, Lara and Tony Dillon of Nashville, TN; a son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth Andrew and Angelena Downen of Norris City; six grandchildren, Logan and Keele Dillon, and Luke, Jonathan, Anna and Josiah Downen; and two sisters, Janice Downen of Norris City and Jane King of Ridgway.

Visitation to be held on Friday, March 11, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the New Hope General Baptist Church near Ridgway with Rev. Roger Hobbs officiating. Visitation will also to be at the church on Saturday one hour prior to funeral. Burial to be at Palestine #2 cemetery in Omaha. Memorial contributions may be made in Ron's memory to the Baptist Children's Home and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City.