Loyd E. and Barbara Jean Downs

Barbara Jean Christian born October 23, 1946, Royalton, IL, Loyd Enos Downs born March 12, 1942, Six-Mile Township, IL united in marriage on April 23, 1966 in Royalton, Il at the First Christian Church.

Barbara worked at McDonalds and later at the IRS in the files department, while Loyd served 4 years in the Air Force as a weather observer attaining the rank of Airman 2nd Class. He also worked as a prison guard in Joliet, IL., and later worked for Certain Teed fiberglass plant as a maintenance worker and was in the Teamsters Union.

Barbara passed away on June 26, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents; Ethel Stickels and Benjamin Christian, a child; baby Downs, brother; Benjamin Christian Jr. Survived by sisters; Betty Stover, Brenda Brandon and Beverly Bush as well as several nieces and nephews.

Loyd passed on February 10, 2022, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Christian, parents; Dolores Short and Charles Downs, a child; baby Downs, sisters; Rita Barnes and Beverly Schwaller, Barbara and Loyd are survived by daughters; Paula Mitzel, Sheri Jones, Kathy Gatzke and son; Keith Downs. 5 grandchildren; Trenton Nelson, Joshua Jones, Drew Downs, Brandon Gatzke and Sean Gatzke. Loyd is also survived by 2 nephews; Bob Schwaller and Bruce Schwaller and 1 brother-in-law; Bill Schwaller.