Bill Freeman Dowdy, 82, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at home. He was born on May 10, 1939, in Essex, Missouri, the son of Kip Robey and Virginia (Cook) Robey and lovingly raised in the family of Freelan and Virginia (Cook) Dowdy.
Bill faithfully served his Country in the United States Navy. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and a lifetime member of the VFW Post 4276. He was a big part of the local Military Honor Guard. Bill worked construction for the City of Mount Carmel for many years. He greatly enjoyed being outdoors. He had a real love for animals of all kinds and would often take care of animals that needed help. Bill enjoyed spending time on the river and being with his many friends. Bill was kind of rough around the edges but never knew a stranger.
Bill leaves behind his sons, Chris (Tammy) Dowdy, Tom Dowdy, Mike (Lora) Dowdy; daughters, Patricia (Johnny) Compton, Sonya Smith, and Tonya (Tim) Prosise; ten grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; mother, Virgina Swatsley; brother, Randy Robey; sisters, Kathy Collins, and Karen Shipley; several close friends and a special friend, Sandra Iglehart.
Bill was preceded in death by his fathers, Kip Robey, and Freelan Dowdy; one son, Ted Dowdy; one grandson, Dakota Ellis.
In keeping with Bill’s wishes, Cremation Rites will be accorded with A Celebration Of Life to be held at a later date at the VFW with Military Honors.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Bill’s tribute wall and leave condolences for the Dowdy family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
