Obituaries

William "Bill" Charles Downin

January 16th, 1956 – December 24th, 2017

William (Bill) Charles Downin, age 61, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 24, 2017 surrounded by many family members at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. He was born January 16, 1956 in Avon, Illinois, to Edwin and Charlotte Downin. Bill was a 1974 graduate of Roseville High School. He married Sheila Shehorn on March 17, 1984 in Galesburg, Illinois. Together, they have two children, Melissa (and Patrick) Pokorny and Grant William Downin whom he adored.

Bill prided himself with his strong work ethic and attention to detail. From an early age he farmed on the family Centennial Farm and later formed a grain and livestock farming partnership with his Dad and brother in rural Berwick, Illinois. After the passing of his dad, Bill farmed independently in Roseville, Illinois. He then went to work for Fayhee Implement Company in Macomb, Illinois. He also worked for Laverdiere Construction Company building some of the first houses in Woodland Estates in Macomb. He then spent the bulk of his career working as a self-employed contractor. He was an expert craftsman, building houses, additions, decks, and custom pieces. If you could dream it, he could build it or fix it. He was currently employed as the Assistant Superintendent of Building Maintenance for second shift at Western Illinois University Facilities Management, where he enjoyed working with many experienced craftsmen to help provide quality learning environments.

While work was Bill's driving force, God was his foundation. He instilled this in raising his family. Bill conducted his work life and home life the same: love everyone, help anyone in need, be generous and kind, and respect others.

Bill had a passion for helping others with any task (big or small). Bill enjoyed the years that he volunteered with the Boy Scout Troop 101 with his son Grant and the other local scouts. He was very proud to have seen his son, Grant, earn the rank of Eagle Scout. He was also an avid supporter of the VIT Schools and the South Fulton Rebels. He was thankful for the opportunities to take time off to watch his son-in-law Patrick, coach his son, Grant, over the past five years.

Left to honor Bill and glorify God are his beloved wife of 34 years, Sheila, children Melissa (and Patrick) Pokorny and Grant Downin; his mother, Charlotte Downin; his siblings, Julie (and Rob) Derry, Chuck (and Maria) Downin, and David (and Judy) Downin. Bill also loved his five nephews and eight nieces. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Downin, and nephew, Bart Downin.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 7:00 pm in the Grand Ballroom in the University Union, 1 University Drive in Macomb, on the campus of Western Illinois University. Pastor Doug Krukewitt will officiate. The family will greet friends from 4-7 pm in the Brattain Lounge in the University Union, prior to the Celebration of Life. The Downin family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the staff in the Springfield Memorial Hospital's 7th Floor ICU. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Table Grove State Bank: Boy Scout Camp Scholarship, Table Grove State Bank: Building Trades Scholarship; or Table Grove State Bank: Medical Profession Scholarship.

His family feels very blessed to have so many people supporting Bill throughout his time in ICU at the Springfield Memorial Hospital. The "Be Bold for Bill" team grew to include the Memorial Medical Team, WIU family, South Fulton communities, and the countless other kind-hearted individuals who supported his family during this difficult time. In so many ways, your support carried them through. A thank you goes out from the bottom of their hearts, as we all enter the new year "Being Bold for Bill"

Condolences

December 28th, 2017

So very sorry for your loss, Bill was a very kind man always helping someone. Lean on your memories and love for each other at this very hard time. Prayers for strength for all of you.❤️ Sharon & Randall Stracker

December 28th, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss, which leaves a big hole in the hearts of everyone who knew Bill. We were blessed to have known him and will miss immensely his big smile and willingness to help wherever and whenever needed. We are here if you need us. The Carithers Family

December 28th, 2017

Sheila, Melissa, and Grant, we are praying for you during this difficult time. Oh, the wonderful memories of Bill working on our family farms and projects he helped us with at the log home. Bill had a kind soul and a huge heart. May the Lord strengthen you and give you peace. Love, Al, Karen, and Peter B.

December 28th, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. Bill's kindness and warm smile will be missed by many. We are here if you need anything at all. Jo, Steve and Audry Branson

December 28th, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. Bill's kindness and warm smile will be missed by many. We are here if you need anything at all. Jo, Steve and Audry Branson

December 28th, 2017

Please know we are praying for you all to feel God's love and comfort during this difficult time. Rodney and Theresa Keefauver

December 28th, 2017

Sheila, Melissa and Grant, we are so sorry to hear about Bill. We are thinking of you and praying for you. Aaron, Sarah, Jacob and Avery Edwards

December 28th, 2017

Sheila, Melissa, Grant we r so sorry about your loss. You are in our prayers
Pat and Mike Wagahoff

December 28th, 2017

So sorry for your loss Thinking of you always Denny and Peggy

December 28th, 2017

Sheila, Melissa and Grant, we are so sorry to learn of your loss. Please know we are thinking of and praying for you during this challenging time and beyond! Bill was such a teddy bear, respectful and could make light of tough situations.
Rich, Sharon, Richard & Ryan Sample

December 28th, 2017

We are saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

December 28th, 2017

Sheila and Family, so very sorry to hear about Bill, our thoughts and prayers go with you during this very difficult time. Mary Lea Castlebury.

December 28th, 2017

Sheila, Melissa, and Grant we are very sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you and family as your do through this difficult time. Russ and Susan

December 28th, 2017

So sorry Shelia Melissa Grant he was a great person need anything let me know love u guys Debbie n Leslie xoxo

December 28th, 2017

Sheila and Family, so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my prayers. Missy Phillips

December 28th, 2017

So very sorry to hear about your loss. Your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! Sara Featherlin

December 28th, 2017

I'm so sorry for your lost. Take comfort in knowing Bill is in the arms of Jesus Praying for you and your family.

December 28th, 2017

What a beautiful testimony. Praying you find peace in knowing Bill is in the arms of our heavenly Father. Praying for you and your family. Tonya and Cullen Pike

December 28th, 2017

A beautiful tribute to a terrific family man. Those qualities in Bill are seen in his family. Such a legacy to leave. God bless you all at this time.
Connie Workman

December 28th, 2017

Such a beautiful testimony. God bless you all at this time. Prayers.

Travis, Rheani, Taylor, and Rylee

December 28th, 2017

We are so saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a kind friend. We will miss Bill along side of you. Love is sent to you and many prayers for strength. Bob and Heather Marshall, Amanda, Sarah, and Joe.

December 28th, 2017

We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We are thinking of you all.
Chris, Kristi & ian Reller

December 28th, 2017

So very sorry for the loss of your husband, Sheila. Please know my thoughts are with you.

December 29th, 2017

So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He’ll be deeply missed by all at WIU. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. Sincerely, Karen Lamm

December 29th, 2017

So very sorry for your loss Sheila. You and your family will be in our prayers for the days and weeks to come. God Bless Bruce and Bertie Mahr

December 29th, 2017

Shelia, so very sorry to hear the passing of your husband! Prayers for comfort and peace to you and your families! Tina Havens

December 29th, 2017

Praying for you and your family. Sorry for your loss. The Spencers

December 29th, 2017

Julie I didn't know Bill, but he sounds like a wonderful guy, Sorry to hear you lost him. Mary Dysert

December 29th, 2017

So sorry for your loss we have the hope of seeing our loved ones again. He is now in the loving arms of the Lord Jesus. Hold onto that glorious hope in the dark days to come. Michael and Debra Dean.

December 29th, 2017

To the Downin Family:
We were so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. It's been years since we had contact with all of you, but we want you to know our prayers are with you in this time of loss. Bill was a good guy, from a good family, and we were pleased to read about his career accomplishments. We remember some fun times dancing with Sheila and Bill at the Roseville Legion Hall when we were all much younger. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Bruce and Linda Hall

December 30th, 2017

Bill will be greatly missed at WIU. My sympathy to the family. Tammy Sinnett

December 30th, 2017

My thoughts go out to the Downin Family. May the Lord be with you during this difficult time. -Amber Fouts

December 30th, 2017

Praying for the loved ones of Bill, he's now with our heavenly Father. RIP Rick & Elizabeth Shinabarger

December 30th, 2017

So very sorry for your loss, Bill was a wonderful caring man, always upbeat no matter what ailed him. Praying for the Downin n extended families. Bill will be missed but he’s in a peaceful place now with God

December 30th, 2017

So sorry to miss the visitation and celebration of life. We are out of state but will be thinking of all of you on that special day.

December 31st, 2017

When things are final, they will never come again. Be at peace and be thankful for all of the memories. You guys are wonderful people. I am truly thankful for you guys allowing me to coach Grant and to be apart of the S.A.R.A.(Athletics)Spartans AAU Basketball team. For that I am grateful. You guys will always be family to us. I know that Grant will continue to live his life to the upmost degree of humility. You guys did a great job raising him. Probably the most respected player that I have coached in years. Easy to coach as well.I can only imagine how much he looked up to his father. Bill was a amazing example for Grant. Sheila, you are a kind heart,nurturing understanding, and easy to talk to. Bill will be missed. Sincerely saddened by the news. Sincerely sorry for your lost. To the Downin family, to Sheila and Grant, Stay Strong. Gone to soon! Jerric "Coach" Stovall

January 1st, 2018

Shelia and family. So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Chris Ramsey

January 1st, 2018

To Bills family:
I'm so sorry for your painful loss, and extend my condolence to your family. It seems Bill was loved and appreciated by many who knew him, and that is a wonderful thing. For that reason it's only natural to grieve. Try to find comfort in knowing that soon all grieving from sickness, death and pain will longer be common place as it is today. We have our Creators promise as found In the bible at Revelation chap 21 verses 4-5. Bill touched many with his smile, generosity, and skill. Jesus said at John chap 5 verse 28 that all those in the memorial tombs would be resurrected. So as you reflect on your memories of Bill remember the promises of the God who as Titus chap 1 verse 2 says "Can't lie." I'll pray for your family.

January 1st, 2018

Such a shock! God’s blessings. Bob Leenerts Adams Tel

January 3rd, 2018

Shelia, Melissa, & Grant. So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Trish Purdum

January 3rd, 2018

I am so very sorry for your loss. I have worked with Bill for the past few years. He always had a smile on his face and was always eager to help. He will be missed in our office. You have my sympathies. Ted N. Renner

January 3rd, 2018

Dear Sheila:

We were saddened to hear of the death of Bill. We know that this is a difficult time for you and your family. Words are inadequate at a time like this; however, please know that you and your family are in our thoughts.

On behalf of all personnel of Human Resources here at WIU, we extend our deepest sympathy.

Sincerely,

Joan Richards

January 3rd, 2018

On behalf of the Tice family, we offer our sincere condolences on your loss. My brothers, sister and I grew up with the Downin family. Camping, going on vacations, the get-togethers with all of our parents' friends & kids - are all wonderful memories. Please know that we will all be praying for you as you go through this difficult time.

Diana (Tice) Fehr
Don Tice
Rita (Tice) King
Ray Tice

January 3rd, 2018

Dear Shelia, Melissa, Patrick & Grant: So sorry about your loss, and sorry that I am not able to make it to the memorial. Will be thinking of you, praying that you will have a strong sense of God's presence and peace today and in the days to come. Jane Coplan

January 7th, 2018

Sheila, I just learned of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. May God be your strength now and in the future. Dale Adkins