Randy Charles Downard, 63, of Rio, Illinois died at 3 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2022, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg following a brief illness.
Randy was born May 25, 1959, in Galesburg, the son of Chester W. and Ruby Fern (Teel) Downard. After graduating from Knoxville High School he went on to marry Kathryn Viola Hunt on June 30, 1979, in Rio. Randy is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathy of Rio; one son, Ryan (Samantha) Downard of Rio; one daughter, Brittany-Kayla (Gregory “Bud”) Miller of Rio; his beloved grandchildren, Gregory, Jacob, Adalynn, Violet, and Ally; and a great-grandchild on the way. Randy is also survived by five sisters, Donna (Lloyd) Anderson of Galva, Illinois, Dorothy McMeen of Milan, Illinois, Grace Bates of Dahinda, Illinois, Alice Clark of Galesburg, and Cheryl (Bob) Yerkey of Alexis, Illinois. Along with his parents, Randy was preceded in death by two brothers, Gary Downard and Clarence “Bud” Downard; one sister, Mary Brittingham; and several brothers-in-law and nephews.
Randy and Kathy owned and operated Café 34 and Randy’s Place both in Oneida, Illinois until 2005. Randy also worked at Farmland Foods in Monmouth, Illinois for over 15 years. After retiring from Farmland Randy worked for a time at Rhythm City Casino until he fully retired in the summer of 2020.
Randy enjoyed numerous hobbies including bingo, fishing, cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Bears, bowling, and go-kart racing with his son, but what Randy truly cherished was being with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.
Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, December 16, 2022, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the funeral home. Burial will follow services at Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
