obituaries

Charles Downs

Bethalto |

Charles "Smokey" Downs, 86, passed away at 10:10 am on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at his residence with his family by his side.

He was born on December 1, 1922 in East Alton, Illinois, the son of Charles & Lillie (Eden) Downs.

He married Loretta M. Factor on July 3, 1946 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto. She passed away on November 15, 2003.

Smokey served his country in the U.S. Marines from 1942 ? 1945 during WW II. He previously worked at Olin for 10 years as a machinist. Then he worked most of his life at AO Smith as a machinist retiring in 1987. He was a member of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto. He was a 4th Degree Knight and a member of the Bethalto Knights of Columbus, was a Union member with IAM for over 40 years, he loved hunting and fishing, especially duck and crappie. He enjoyed spending his weekends on the Illinois River at his club house and in his later years, he enjoyed being with his grandchildren.

He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Debby & Jim Curlovic of Alton; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Joe & Pamela Downs of Dorsey and Jeff & Robin Downs of Godfrey; six grandchildren, Cimme & Jaime Downs, Ashley & Juan Rodriguez, Joey, Lucas & Mallory Downs; three great grandchildren, Abby, Jake & Cameron and one daughter-in-law, Karen Downs of Bethalto.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a son, John Downs, a brother, James "Pete" Downs and a sister, Maxine Featherstone

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, November 20, 2009 at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at the funeral home with Father Tom Liebler as celebrant.

Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto with full military rites by Alton VFW Post 1308.

Memorials may be given to American Kidney Foundation or the Bethalto Boys & Girls Club.

Online condolences and guestbook can be found at http://www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.


Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home

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