Ricky C Downard

Ricky C Downard obituary, Oquawka, IL

Ricky C Downard

Upcoming Events

Sep

20

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

Ricky's river lot

109 South Front Street, Oquawka, IL 61469

Send Flowers

Ricky Downard Obituary

Visit the McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory - Monmouth website to view the full obituary.

Ricky C. Downard,65, of Oquawka, IL passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Oquawka, IL.

He was born March 22, 1960, in Galesburg, IL the son of Robert Glenn and Jodene Eloise (Carlton) Downard. He was raised and educated in Galesburg, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1978.

Ricky served with the United States Army following his graduation from high school.

Ricky married Terrie Kerrick on November 26, 1984, and later Sharon Griffith on September 2, 1994.

Ricky was a truck driver for over 40 years before retiring in 2024.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, cooking out, watching NASCAR and football, riding his motorcycle, bowling and being with his family and friends, especially his best buddy, Bubba.

Survivors include his sister, Deb Harding of Oquawka; half-sister, Bobbie Sue Downard of Galesburg; his step-children, Tracy (Jay) Bennett of New Braunfels, TX, Donna (Howie Mason) Foreman of Monmouth, IL and Kenny (Amanda) Sargeant of Oquawka; step-grandchildren, Shania Boria, Zach (Josie Woodsmall) Sargeant, Jacob Morrison, Carter McIntyre; great-grandson, Lincoln Sargeant; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Hank & Josephine Carlton and Glenn & Luella Downard.

Cremation has been accorded. A celebration of life party will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Ricky's river lot, located at 109 S. Front St. Oquawka. Memorials may be given to the Ricky Downard Memorial Fund and sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. 

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory - Monmouth

1007 N G St P.O. Box 444, Monmouth, IL 61462

How to support Ricky's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ricky Downard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Sep

20

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

Ricky's river lot

109 South Front Street, Oquawka, IL 61469

Send Flowers