Derek J Downs

Derek J. Downs, age 30 of Ridgway, died suddenly on March 6, 2014 in Ferrell Hospital, Eldorado, IL. Derek was born in Evansville, IN on November 16, 1983 to the late Rick Downs and Marilyn (Rister) Baldwin. He graduated from Gallatin County High School and had worked in the Agriculture field most of his life. Derek loved the outdoors. He especially loved to Deer hunt and fish. He was his happiest when outside. Derek was given the nickname ""Smiley"" for a reason, everytime you saw him he always had a smile for you. He was a good son, brother, grandson, uncle and friend and will be greatly missed.

Derek is survived by his mother and step father, Marilyn (Rister) and Louie Baldwin of Junction, IL, his brother and sister in law, Brian and Dee Dee Downs of Fairfield, IL, his grandparents, Jim and Fern Rister of Omaha, IL. a niece, Lindsey and Ryan Owen of Newburgh, IN. 2 Uncles, Bob & Cathy Rister of Norris City, and Bill and Carla Rister of Evansville, IN along with a host of cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Rick Downs, and grandparents, Tom and Margaret Clark.

Visitation for Derek will be on Saturday, March 8, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 Pm at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway. His funeral service will be on Sunday, March 9, 2014 starting at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Rev. Kenny Blumenstock will officiate and interment will follow in the Old Cottonwood Cemetery.

You may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com