Clarence W. “Bud” Downard, 81, died at 7:54 a.m. Sunday, June 12, 2022 peacefully at home.
He was born on April 17, 1941 in Galesburg, Illinois to Chester W. and Ruby Fern (Teel) Downard. Bud married Barbara Tharp on May 3, 1969 in Gardner, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters; one brother; and one granddaughter.
Bud is survived by his wife, Barb of Galesburg, Illinois; two sons, Clayton of Sacramento, California and Robert (and Cindy) of Berwick, Illinois; and a daughter, Jennifer Milroy of Galesburg, Illinois. Bud has five granddaughters, Shawna, Amber, Saige, Riley, and Cayman; and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by six sisters, Donna (and Lloyd) Anderson of Galva, Illinois, Dorothy McMeen of Milan, Illinois, Mary Ann Brittingham of Galesburg, Illinois, Grace Bates of Dahinda, Illinois, Alice Clark of Galesburg, Illinois, and Cheryl (and Bob) Yerkey of Alexis, Illinois; and one brother, Randy (and Kathy) Downard of Rio, Illinois.
Bud was a supervisor at the BNSF Railroad in mechanical department, retiring in 1997. After retirement Bud and Barb relocated to Oklahoma for 20 years before returning to Galesburg. Bud enjoyed working in his yard and fishing. He loved his family and liked to make his granddaughters laugh. He had a good sense of humor and loved to tell stories.
Private family visitation was held at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Cremation has been accorded and graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 18, 2022 at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Chaplain Jordan Knight will officiate. Memorials may be made in Bud’s memory to Hospice Compassus. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
