Jack L. Downs

Jack L. Downs, 73, of Springfield, passed away on Friday July 6, 2018 at St. John’s Hospital. He was born on December 27, 1944 in Springfield to Lee and Thelma Marsh Downs. Jack married Kay Pierce in Springfield on September 3, 1966 and she survives.

Mr. Downs is also survived by two children: Lee Downs and Christy (Chuck) Rutherford both of Springfield, seven grandchildren: Christopher (companion Kimberley McRill) Downs, Samantha and Joey Downs, and Cody, Connor, Caleb and Caitlyn Rutherford, many nieces and nephews and his first great-grandson due in September. He was preceded in death by his brother Tom Downs.

Jack graduated from Springfield High School and SIU Carbondale. He worked for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation for thirty five years. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play baseball, basketball, football and volleyball and cheering on the Riverton Hawks, SHG, Illinois College Blueboys, and the Blessed Sacrament Bruins. Jack loved swimming with all the kids during the Summer months as well as boating and waterskiing and listening to Jimmy Buffett and the Beach Boys. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan who enjoyed fishing with his friend Fred and having lunch with his buddy Archer. In accordance with Jack’s wishes his family will host a “big damn party” following the service, please contact his family members for details.

A funeral service will be held at 5:00pm on Thursday July 12, 2018 at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 East Allen Street. The family will meet friends from 4:00pm until the time of funeral service Thursday at Bisch and Son. Memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament School and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.