Daniel Downs

Name: Visitation
Start: 01/08/2025 05:00 PM
End: 01/08/2025 07:00 PM
Location: Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home

December 19, 1937 — December 30, 2024

Daniel B. Downs, 87, of Decatur, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024 surrounded by his family at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur with Masonic Rites at 7:00 PM. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Friday, January 10, 2025 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery with military rites by the US Army and Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to New Day Community Church, Summit Lodge #431, or Eastern Star Illini Chapter #813.

Dan was born December 19, 1937, in Shelbyville, Illinois, the son of John and Mabel (Foster) Downs. He married his loving wife, Karon Arnold, on May 28, 1977, in Niantic, Illinois.

Upon graduating from Shelbyville High School in 1956, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a Military Policeman in the Canal Zone and in Ft. Sheridan. While in basic training, he proudly gained the highest score in his battalion with the M1 Grand Rifle. After discharging in 1961, he attended Sparks Business College, and worked for the Shelby Service Co. for several years. In 1966, he joined the Decator Police Dept, serving his community for 24 years before retiring in 1990. Upon retiring from the police department, he went to work for Heckman Healthcare where he worked until his final retirement.

Dan loved going to the gun range and shooting; he was a lifelong member of the NRA, Illinois State Rifle Association, and Taylorville Rifle/Pistol Club. He enjoyed reading about American history – favoring books about the Civil War or written by James Herriot, and watching John Wayne western movies. Dan was a member of New Day Community Church in Decatur, Summit Lodge #431 AF & AM in Warrensburg, and Eastern Star Illini Chapter #813, both of which he served as treasurer.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Karon Downs of Decatur, IL; daughter Gina (Ronald Jr.) Ashby of Edwardsville, IL; granddaughter Clare Ashby of Edwardsville, IL; several nieces and nephews; and his boston terrier, Ammy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John B. Downs Jr; sister, Ora Funk; brother-in-law, Kenneth Funk; nephew Stephen Funk; and niece, Gloria Weakley.

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