Thomas Robert Downs

Thomas Robert Downs age 72 of Bushnell, IL passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 13, 2017 after a courageous battle with Leukemia and Alzheimer’s for the last 7 years.  He was born on June 4, 1945 in Canton, IL to Franklin and Lydia Johns Downs.  He first married Vickie Bowton in 1962.  He later married Deborah Ann Cook in Canton, IL on April 2, 1984.  Tom is survived by his wife Debbie of Bushnell, IL, 5 Children – Mike (Lana) Downs, John (Jennifer) Cardosi, Tim (Pam) Downs all of Canton, IL, Wayne (Tina) Cardosi of St. Louis, MO, and Lora (Kevin) Becker of Steeleville, IL, 12 Grandchildren and 7 Great-Grandchildren.  He is also survived by brother John (Patty) Downs, sister Jane (Larry) Wages, and mother-in-law Charlotte Cook all of Canton, IL. 

Tom was on the Fulton Co. Board from 1974 to 1978 and Deputy of Fulton County from 1978 to 1982.  He worked at International Harvester for 21 years as a Journeyman Machinist Machine Repairman and also as a Gunsmith for many years.  In 1984 he joined the Bushnell Police Dept. retiring as a Sergeant in 2010.  Tom was also a master woodworker having owned and operated Tom’s Woodworking.  He received many awards for his work plus many people in Bushnell and surrounding towns have some of his work.  In his spare time he loved fishing with Joe Francis and hunting in his younger years.  His main love was spending time with his grandchildren especially teaching Eric and Morgan Cardosi to fish and passing on his woodworking skills to Eric. 

A visitation will be held from 4 – 6 P.M. on Friday June 16, 2017 at the Martin-Hollis Funeral Home in Bushnell, IL.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Leukemia Assoc. or the Alzheimer’s Association.  Please sign the guestbook or leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com.