Clifford L. Downen

Clifford L. Downen, age 81, of Marion, IL, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 6:31 p.m. in Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, IL.
He was born on February 3, 1944 in Boone County Hospital in Columbia, MO to Clifford Tillman and Billie Raylene (Strunck) Downen. Just one month later, his father was killed serving during World War II. His mother would later marry Kenneth Granneman and together they raised their family.
Cliff attended school in Herrin, IL and was a graduate of Herrin High School Class of 1963. During his freshman and sophomore years of college he attended the University of Wyoming – Laramie and would transfer to McKendree University in Lebanon, IL for his Junior and Senior years, receiving his degree in History and Political Science in 1968.
In 1969, Cliff was elected delegate to the Illinois Constitutional Convention and along with Mayor Robert Butler of Marion, went to Springfield to draft the current Illinois Constitution. From there, Cliff's political involvement continued to grow. He worked for many years on campaigns, including the Reagan for President Campaign. He served in various positions in the Illinois Young Republicans, National Young Republican Organization, Illinois Republican Party, Williamson County Illinois Republican Organization, and district Republican organizations, as well.
Cliff's business experiences were varied including owning and operating a cattle and horse breeding operation, managing commercial rental properties for D & G Enterprises, serving as assistant manager of Herrin Rexall Drug Company and partner in Williams Travel Agency in Danville, IL.
It was his career in political work that Cliff was most passionate about, however. For over twenty years, his career in government and political work included serving as Congressman Daniel B. Crane's Chief of Staff, serving as Assistant to the Chairman and Confidential Assistant to the Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission and Assistant Administrator for Congressional and Legislative Affairs for the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Besides his business ventures and notable career in government and politics, Cliff enjoyed researching genealogy and was a gun collector and enjoyed shooting. He enjoyed being around horses, and was an avid reader. He was a member of the International Churchill Society (an organization that promotes the legacy of Winston Churchill, the NRA, the Illinois State Rifle Association, and First Christian Church of Herrin.
Survivors include his step-brother, Ronald K. Granneman of Hardin, MT; long-time special friend, Joann Jamieson and her daughter, Jenna Jamieson of Carbondale; cousins, Jan Forbes and her husband, Charles "Rusty" of Estero, FL, Jim Walker and wife, Karen, of Desoto, KS, Larry Steinberg and wife, Rita, of Indianapolis, IN, Allen Steinberg and wife, Sandee, of St. Petersburg, FL and Jane Mueller and husband, Glenn, of Florissant, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and step-father.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be held at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Following the time of visitation, the funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. with Brother Ralph Brandon presiding.
Burial will follow in Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy, IL.
For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to "Agape High School." Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.
To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit our website at wilsonmcreynolds.com. For more information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Clifford, please visit our Tree Store.