William A Dowds

Born March 1, 1922 in Effingham County to Floyd and Iva (Koss) Dowds, he married Stella Adeline Trueblood on November 28, 1943 in Vandalia. She died May 24, 1985. He later married Lois Irene Cook Hull on July 10, 1987 in East Peoria. She died March 14, 2003. He was also preceded in death by one daughter; four brothers; and four sisters.

Surviving are three sons, Roger (Pam) Dowds of Pekin, Larry (Margaret) Dowds of Morton, and Kevin (Connie) Dowds of Delavan; two daughters, Carolyn (Van) Ingold of East Peoria and Valerie (Tim) Gazza of Hanna City; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Helen (Eugene) Seets of Morton and Naomi Walker of Dayton, Ohio; two step-sons, Mike Hull of Pekin and Paul (Cassie) Hull of Manito; and two step-daughters, Trudy (Steven) Hoerr and Judy (Randy) Yancey, both of Manito.

Bill worked for Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria for 37 years, retiring as a welder in May 1979. He was a member of United AutoworkersLocal 974 in East Peoria.

He loved farming, gardening and his grandchildren.

Bill's family would like to thank his neighbors, friends, and caregivers for their frequent prayers and visits.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel. The Rev. Syl Carter will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.