Edward Thomas Downes, 87 of Columbia, MO passed away in the early morning hours of October 26th, 2017 under the comforting care of the Harry S Truman VA Hospital.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2017 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home with memorial service to follow at 3:00 PM. Inurnment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors.
Ed was born on July 4, 1930 in Alton, IL the son of Edward and Anna (Herron) Downes. He was born during the height of the Great Depression on the family farm just outside the city of Alton, Illinois. The times were tough, at age 9 he got his first job on a paper route and a second job on the weekends at a nearby golf course as a caddie and retrieving golf balls from ponds. Near the end of WW2, a better job offer came from a customer on the paper route, with Rock Poole Pharmacy working the soda fountain and stocking shelves. During his senior year of High School, he went to work for Sears & Roebuck as a sales clerk in Sporting Goods. As veterans returned home from the war, the Marine Corp was looking for replacements and in December of 1947, he joined the Marine Corp Reserves along with a number of classmates and friends. In June of 1950, the Korean War broke out and the calls to active duty began to come in. By November, some were already in Korea or on Parris Island, South Carolina. The ship arrived in Korea in April of 1951 and Private First Class Edward T. Downes was assigned to George Company Third Battalion First Marine Division as a rifleman. Edward was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal and two Purple Hearts. In lieu of the second Purple Heart, he was awarded a Gold Star. He was honorably discharged with the Rank of Corporal, March 1st, 1952
In 1952 his tour of duty was completed, and Ed returned to civilian life and his job with Sears. He took advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled at Shurtleff College in Alton, IL. He then transferred to the University of Illinois in 1953 continuing employment with Sears. Absence made the heart grow fonder and on January 30, 1954 he married Joan E Noll in Alton IL. They returned to Alton when a management position was offered in the Alton Sears store. In 1955 a career change to the insurance business came along with the Western Adjustment & Inspection Co. In 1962, he joined State Farm as one of the first Fire Claims Rep in the Illinois Region. In 1963, a promotion to Fire Claim Superintendent in the Mo-KS Region brought a move to Columbia Mo. where he retired in 1992. Ed was a charter member of the Columbia Chapter of CPCU and served on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Fair Plan from 1975 - 1992 and Chairman 1989 -1990.
Ed loved to travel visiting family and friends from Florida to Oregon. Was a charter member of the Country Club of Missouri where over the years had the good fortune to record 5 holes in one. Ed was the “Commish” of the popular Dot game and enjoyed golfing with his best friends several days a week for many many years. As an added note, word was, after Virginia, Commish Eddy was on a short list of those whom Coach Norm answered to.
Survivors include: six children, Becky Mountjoy of Columbia, MO, Jo Billings (Ward) of Kennett, MO, Tom Downes (Cindy) of Columbia, MO, Steve Downes (Janice) of Columbia, MO, Sandy Boulden ( Oran) of Fayette, MO and Dee Scrivner (Brad) of Tulsa, OK; 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Joan on May 6, 2016 and one sister, Alice Rieke.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Welcome Home (Honoring Veterans – Restoring Lives) 2120 Business Loop 70 E, Columbia, MO 65201 – mark in honor of Edward Downes.
Online condolences may be made at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Memorial Funeral Home/Columbia.
6 Entries
November 2, 2017
I have fond memories of Uncle Ed and all the good family times with all the cousins. We loved visiting you all in Columbia and when you came to Alton. It was a mad house full of fun and laughter. I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy,
Cindy Maher
October 31, 2017
Margaret Stemmons
Becky and Jo sorry to hear about the passing of your father. You and your family have my Deepest sympathy.
October 31, 2017
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Sending are deepest condolences and prayers to your family. My Dad, Cliff Custin, and your Dad were good friends. They are both looking down on us and watching over us. With sincere sympathy, Debbie Custin
October 30, 2017
George Hansen
My father, George Hansen, worked at State Farm and often mentioned Ed. Dad had high praise for Ed and respected him as a fellow employee and as an acquaintance. George died last February. It would sadden him to hear about Ed passing. My condolences and prayers for the family.
October 28, 2017
Ed and my Dad, Slim Maher, were buddies from way back. I know my Dad ALWAYS enjoyed it when Ed came into town (Alton, IL) similar to the times I get to enjoy whenever I have the rare opportunity to visit with Tom and Steve. Fond memories growing up with my Uncle Ed while he and my Aunt Joan along with my parents played cards, had a beer (or two) while listening to Jack Buck on the radio doing the Cardinal baseball games. Those are memories I will always remember and cherish with Uncle Ed he was indeed a great guy and he will be sorely missed. To all the Downes family you are in our prayers with the loss of your beloved Father my Uncle Ed.
Terry and Robin Maher
Dallas, Texas
October 28, 2017
Bill & Sarah Shiflett
Our deepest condolences to Tom and Cindy and the Downes family.
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