Robert Emmett Dowd, 83, of Galesburg, died at 10:16 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.
Bob was born November 24, 1937, in Cairo, IL, the son of Peter Joseph and Rose E. (Costello) Dowd. He married Dorsie Ann Thompson on April 4, 1960, in Cario. Their marriage brought one son, Christopher (Marsha) Dowd of Overland Park, KS; and three daughters, Theresa (Mike) Quigley of Wilmington, Christine (Paul) Anderson of Woodstock, GA, and Mary Keith of Galesburg. Dorsie preceded Bob in death in 1995. Bob later married Linda Marie Kruger on January 18, 2003, in Galesburg. She survives as do all his children as well as 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Along with his first wife and parents, Bob was preceded in death by 2 brothers; 4 sisters; and one grandchild.
After graduating from High School Bob enlisted in the US Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1958. He began his career on the railroad in 1960 and retired as a dispatcher from BNSF in 1998. Bob was an active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church as well as a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Fr JO Hunt Council 556. Bob was also a member of the Galesburg Evening Lions Club having served as district deputy and was a member of the Galesburg Moose Lodge.
Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2021, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. 4th degree Knights of Columbus service will begin at 4 p.m. with praying of the rosary following. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2021, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Father James Pallardy will officiate. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg with military rites conducted by the Knox County American Legion/VFW/AMVETS honor guard. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
