Marvin R. Downs Jr.

Marvin R. Downs, 93, of Rockford died Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Alden Debes Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Born November 10, 1924 in Schyler County, the son of Marvin and Beula (Beam) Downs. He married his loving wife, Catherine “Kay” Eifert on September 14, 1949.
Marvin was the former owner of Rockford Silk Screen Process, Inc. from 1965 until 1993, where he continued to work after his children purchased the business. He was a devoted member of Victory Baptist Church and enjoyed time he spent with family and friends.
He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan who enjoyed fishing.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Merat Esfahani and the staff at Swedish American Cancer Center
Survivors include his children, John (Vicki) Downs of Rockford, Jean (Duane) Keding of Roscoe, Cindy (Terry) Light of Cherry Valley and Tim Downs of Rockford; son In-law Terry Schasker, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild; sisters, Maxine Shelts of Camden and Betty Foster of Peoria; sister-in-law, Vada Downs of Rushville and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents; daughter, Cathy Schasker; grandson, Mark Light; sister, Erma Downs and brother, Homer Downs.
Funeral service Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 12 p.m. at Victory Baptist Church, 7028 Rydberg Road, Rockford, with visitation from 11 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rockford Rescue Mission in Marvin’s name. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford chapel is assisting the family. Condolences may be submitted at fitzgeraldfh.com