David Downs

ALLERTON – David A. Downs was called home to the Lord on Saturday (March 26, 2016) after 21 years as a cancer survivor.

Born on Oct. 26, 1948, to J. Kenneth and Dorothy Downs, he married Janece Ann Jurgens on Dec. 28, 1968. She survives, as does his mother.

Also surviving are a sister, Carole (John) Brodbeck of Streator; a brother, Jim (Barb) Downs of Broadlands; two sons, Doug (Dawn) Downs of Tolono and Rob (Amy) Downs of Champaign; two grandchildren, Samantha and Justin Downs of Tolono; and several nieces and nephews.

His father preceded him in death.

A lifelong advocate for agriculture, upon graduating from Southern Illinois University, he worked for the USDA until beginning his ultimate career as a farmer in 1977 through retirement in 2014.

Through his career, he served seven years as Edgar County executive director for Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation Service for USDA, and 15 years on the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District Board.

He served on the Vermilion County Farm Bureau Board for 10 years and as president from 1993 to 1996. In 1997, he was named the Champaign News-Gazette Farm Leader of the Year.

He also served 10 years on the Board of Directors for Illinois Farm Bureau, representing Champaign, Vermilion, Douglas and Edgar Counties; as well as 10 years on the Board of Directors for Country Companies Insurance.

In 2007, he was recognized as Prairie Farmer Master Farmer.

He also served as a director on the boards for the Illinois Council on Food and Agriculture Research (C-FAR) for seven years and Midwest Grain Processors Co-op for nine years.

David was very proud of his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he loved to take for golf cart rides.

In addition to his interest in agriculture and ag policy, he was a member of the United Methodist Church in Allerton and a lifetime member of Lions Club, serving three terms as president.

He also enjoyed golfing, vacationing in the Missouri Ozarks and spending quality time with family and close friends.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with the Rev. Clyde Snyder officiating. Burial will be in Fairfield Cemetery, Newman. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Allerton United Methodist Church, Broadlands United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.