Dennis Downing

Dennis “Dink” Downing, 76 of Aledo, died October 9, 2023, at OSF St. Francis, Peoria. A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the Mercer County VFW from 2 to 5 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Downing Family, for a memorial to be established later. Speer Funeral Home, Aledo is assisting the family and condolences may be left at speerfuneralhome.com.

Dennis Robert Downing was born on August 8, 1947, in Davenport, Iowa to Robert B. & Irene (Kistler) Downing. He was a 1965 graduate of Aledo High School and attended Black Hawk College where he played baseball before being drafted into the United States Army. He was previously married to Judeen Van der Wege. On March 21, 1985, Dennis and Norma (Stroud) Olson were married.

Dennis retired from United Parcel Service in 2002 after 30 years of service, mostly in the Aledo area. After retirement he worked for Shirt Tales and as groundskeeper for Oakview County Club. He loved sports and had even tried out for a professional baseball team, with his favorite team being the Atlanta Braves. He also played on many local fast pitch softball teams as short stop, loved golfing, tennis and racquet ball. Dennis enjoyed his weekly outings with friends and playing solitaire on his phone.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Norma; children and spouses: Torey & Diana Downing and Joelly & Lance Greene, both of Texas; Jon Olson of Aledo and Wendy Downing & Brian Jordan of Tinley Park, IL; Grandchildren: Isabella, Austin, Gabriella, Deven, Jessica, & Payton and 2 great-grandchildren; a sister and brother-in-law, Connie & Jerry Mattson and sister-in-law, Sandra Downing all of Aledo. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Curtis Downing.