Individual Details

Death

Jon M. “Jack” Downs, 74, of rural Hillsboro, passed away 3:03 a.m. Thursday, March 28, 2019 at his residence, concluding a four year battle with cancer. Jack was born Sept. 7, 1944 in Danville, Illinois, the son of Marvin E. and Marjorie E. (Zeigler) Downs. He married Jeri Lee Furr, his wife of nearly 55 years, Aug. 1, 1964 in Veedersburg. Surviving family include his wife, Jeri Lee Downs, Hillsboro; three daughters, Leslie (Kevin) Meihls, Hillsboro; Barbara (Andy) Zachary, Clinton Utah; Lori Downs, Glasgow Kentucky; a son, Brent (Sara) Downs, New Albany; two brothers, Robert (Patty) Downs, Hillsboro; Dennis (Brenda) Downs, Hillsboro; a brother-in-law, Dave Van Dorn, Veedersburg; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; one great-grandchild on the way. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Beverly Sue Van Dorn; two brothers, William & Thomas Downs. Jack graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1962, and graduated from the short course ag program at Purdue University. He loved farming and was a life-long grain farmer. He enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was making homemade maple syrup in the spring or during the fall harvest season, which was his favorite time of the year. He was an avid Indianapolis Colts fan; enjoyed woodworking in his free time, and was a model train enthusiast. He also enjoyed many card games, especially Euchre. In his younger years he enjoyed boating and was a very accomplished water skier. He was a member of the Hillsboro Christian Church. Visitation is noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday April 2, 2019 at Dickerson Funeral Home in Veedersburg. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Rockfield Cemetery near Veedersburg. Memorial contributions: Wallace Fire Department.