Photo courtesy of Pyatt Funeral Home - Pinckneyville
May 2, 1951 - Jul 2, 2019
Mary Lynn, I am very sorry for your loss of your father. You and your family are in my prayers. Sincerely, Denise Bird
Denise Bird
July 11, 2019 | Coulterville, IL | Acquaintance
We are so sorry for your great loss of Al. We have all your family in our thoughts and in our prayers during this very sad and difficult time. Sherry & Ron Ridgeway & family
Ron Ridgeway
July 08, 2019 | Pinckneyville, IL
IT'S NEVER EASY LOSING A PARENT. EVEN AS AN ADULT. THINKING ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND SENDING PRAYERS. WITH MUCH SYMPATHY
GRETCHEN KOCIAN
July 08, 2019 | PINCKNEYVILLE, IL | Friend
We are never ready to say a final goodbye to someone we love. However, it is through our faith we believe we will see our loved ones when we meet again in heaven. Until then, know your dad will be watching over you from above. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness.
Bob & Cindy Ferrari
July 08, 2019 | Pinckneyville, IL
My sympathy to the family. May you all be comforted by The Comforter in your time of sorrow.
Amy Rust
July 07, 2019 | Pinckneyville, IL | Friend
Sorry to hear about your dad's passing- He was a good hearted man and he was always kind when i was around him- God bless you all!
andrew ritter
July 06, 2019 | Pinckneyville, IL | Friend
I am SO VERY sorry for your loss... My prayers and sympathy are with you all
Lisa Montgomery
July 06, 2019 | Pinckneyville, IL | Friend
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I worked with Al at Peabody Baldwin Mine for over 20 years. And even rode to work,with him. Good man, good miner, and good friend.
Larry Jenkel
July 04, 2019 | Benton, IL | Coworker
It was a pleasure to know him. We had some good times together, didnt always agree, but had fun disagreeing . I will miss him.
Michael Kellerman
July 03, 2019 | Pinckneyville, IL | Friend
Lyle A. “Al” Downen, age 68, of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at 6:01 p.m. in his home.
Al was born on May 2, 1951 in Perry County, IL, a son to Lyle and Lillian M. (Woodside) Downen, Jr. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force having served in the Vietnam War and obtaining the rank of Sergeant. On October 21, 1972, he married Mary Estelle Smith in St. Ann Catholic Church, Nashville, IL and she preceded him in death on April 7, 2016. Al had worked as an underground coal miner at Peabody Coal Company for 25 years and later as a truck driver for Star Transport for 18 years. He was a member of St. Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL and the U.M.W.A. Al enjoyed anything outdoors, including, gardening, hunting, fishing, softball, and mowing grass. He loved visiting with friends and “wreaking havoc” around town.
Survivors include his daughter, Mary Lynn (David) Carns of Pinckneyville, IL; two sons, Robert (Jennifer) Downen of San Antonio, TX, and Todd (Letitia) Downen of Fairview Heights, IL; a sister, Jean (Brian) Hill of Tamaroa, IL; a brother-in-law, Benard (Carol) Smith, Jr. of Pinckneyville, IL; three sisters-in-law, Janet Smith of Pinckneyville, IL, Margaret Maschhoff of Nashville, IL, and Brenda Smith of Mt Prospect, IL; ten grandchildren, Kaleb Hubler, Allison (Keith) Smith, Tyler Downen, Logan Downen, Tucker Downen, Jennifer Carns, Lindsay Carns, Todd (Cassidy) Carns, Lucy Downen, and Kolbi Carns; four great-grandchildren, Alayna, Bryson, Avery, and Joseph; his best friend, Jim Stevenson of Pinckneyville, IL; a special niece, Barb Stevenson; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary E. Downen; parents-in-law, Bernard and Eunice Smith, Sr.; and a nephew, Shawn Schwartzkopf.
Funeral mass will be held at St. Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville IL on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Augustine Imezimako and Father Brian Barker officiating. Interment will be in St. Bruno Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL with military graveside rites by Presswood-Daffron American Legion Post #2504, Pinckneyville, IL.
Visitation will be at St. Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday morning at the church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Bruno Catholic Church or School or the Mary E. Downen Memorial Fund.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL has been entrusted with arrangements.
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