Jesse “Junior” Downen, 93, of Sims, died at 9:38pm on April 15, 2021, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital in Fairfield, IL. He had worked at Airtex Products for 42 years, mainly as a set-up operator. He was also a member of the UAW 543.
Jesse was born on May 19, 1927, in Wayne County, IL, to Alva and Edna (Legg) Downen. He married Eva Thomason who preceded him in death and later married Ethelyn McKinney, who also preceded him in death.
Survivors include one son Brad Downen of Sims, two daughters June Galbraith of Cisne and Amy (Stephen) Purkes of Muscles Shoals, AL, five step-sons Barry (Camelia) McKinney of Johnsonville, Jerry McKinney of Cisne, Steve McKinney of Fairfield, Caroll (Mimi) McKinney of Wayne City, and Rocky (Grace) Merrit of Fairfield, one step-daughter Ladonna (Alvin) Ewing of Fairfield, thirty-two grandchildren, fifty-six great grandchildren, thirty-nine great great grandchildren, two sisters Dorothy Hedden and Cora Hutchcraft both of Wayne City, an adopted son and daughter Chris and Mikki Robertson, along with several nieces and nephews.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, two wives Eva Thomason and Ethelyn McKinney, three sons Delmar Downen, Travis Downen, and Phonnie Downen, three brothers Art Legg, Russell Downen, and Roy Downen, five sisters Ida Mae Butler, Mabel Austin, Clarice Rawls, Lola McCormick, Mary Downen, and one grandson Ronnie Downen.
Funeral services for Jesse “Junior” Downen will be at 1pm on Wednesday, April 21st at the Wayne City First Christian Church in Wayne City, IL, with burial in Baltimore Cemetery, south of Wayne City. Visitation will be from 11am until the time of service at the church. Memorial donations can be made to help with funeral expenses and will be accepted at the Wayne City First Christian Church or the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family at www.facebook.com/johnsonvaughnfuneralhome.