Robert B. Downing

Services for Robert B. Downing, 101 of Aledo, will be Sunday at 4:00 PM at Speer Funeral Home, with visitation from 2:00 until the time of services. Burial will be in Aledo Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Mercer County Senior Center or College Avenue Presbyterian Church. Bob died on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at Aledo Rehab and Healthcare Center. Robert Beard Downing was born on December 17, 1909 near Millersburg, Illinois to John & Cora (Beard) Downing. He was a 1928 graduate of Aledo High School. He married Irene Kistler on September 10, 1935 in Moline. She preceded him in death on September 3, 2001. Bob enjoyed painting and wallpapering in the Aledo area for many years, for Greer Home Improvement and also for his own business. He also owned and operated the Town & Country Restaurant and Family Restaurant in Aledo with Irene. In earlier years he was employed with Farmall and Herman Nelson. Bob was a member of the College Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Mercer County Senior Center, where he enjoyed fellowship with many. He was a past member of the Aledo Mens Club and the Aledo Moose Lodge. He enjoyed billards; triominos; and going dancing with Irene. In earlier years he sang in a quartet at church. Bob continued his love of singing with the congregation in church services until very recently. Those left to cherish Bob’s memory include his children and their spouses: Curtis & Sandra Downing; Connie & Jerry Mattson and Dennis & Norma Downing, all of Aledo; a sister, Eleanor Nelson of Norris, TN; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, with another lovingly expected and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; and a sister, Mary Ingram.