DOUGLAS “DOUG” DOWNEY

JERSEYVILLE – Douglas “Doug” Eugene Downey, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at 8:38 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Jersey Community Hospital. He was born on February 5, 1948, in Carrollton, Illinois, to the late Harold and Lois (Krueger) Downey.

Doug grew up and worked on the Downey family farm, which began his lifelong love for tractors. He enjoyed everything related to them—farming, books, magazines, and catalogs—but his favorite pastime was restoring  his antique tractor collection. Uncle Doug loved when his great-nephews helped him around the farm, especially working on the tractors.  His "go-to" gift for his nephews when they were little was, of course, a tractor.

In addition to his passion for tractors, Doug worked as a cook for many years and would often share his delicious meals with friends and family. He was highly intelligent and loved discussing history, particularly his ancestors and Jersey County. He also enjoyed old movies, guns, antiques, and reading.  

Doug was definitely one of a kind and he will be missed by many. Let us have a shot of Crown Royal at Jem Bar in memory of Doug…
A celebration of life will be held on April 18, 2026, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Jem Bar in Jerseyville.

He is survived by his brother, Jesse Downey and his companion, Glenda Howard, of Carrollton; two nephews, Kyle (Tara) Downey and Mitch (Kelly) Downey, both of Jerseyville; as well as four great-nephews, Ryan, Kale, Seth, and Noah Downey, all of Jerseyville.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lois Downey.

Private graveside services were held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.