Edward Joseph Downs
Of Prospect Heights

Edward Joseph Downs was born December 21, 1937 in Chicago to Edward William and Helen (nee Kinney) Downs. He died on Thursday, January 28, 2010 in Prospect Heights.

He received his Undergraduate Degree in Commerce and his Masters Degree in Industrial Relations from Loyola University, and his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law. Edward served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney and Assistant Public Defender at 26th and California in Chicago. He was the head Public Defender of McHenry County for five years before going into private practice as a criminal defense lawyer. He served as an Associate Professor at Harper College for 31 years.

Edward received the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Northwest Community Bar Association. He was the recipient of First Place in the DePaul University Law School Moot Court Competition in 1964. During his 45 year career, he tried more than 40 murder cases and tirelessly represented people from all walks of life and economic backgrounds. Although he was a zealous advocate for his clients and was always willing to go to trial, he had the reputation of conducting himself as a gentleman at all times.

His survivors include his wife of 20 years, Debra (nee Hall) Downs whom he married October 13, 1990 in Stephenson, Michigan; his children, Matthew (Christine) Downs and Marcina Kast; his step-daughter, Jacqueline Nesbitt; his grandchildren, Michael, Catherine, Aidan, Anna, Madeline, and Grace; his siblings, Ellen (Frank) Kaman, Terrance, and Michael (Yvonne) Downs; and his five nieces and one nephew.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Marcina (nee LeBlanc) Downs, and his parents.

Memorial visitation from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Monday, February 1, 2010 at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., (4 blocks south of Palatine Rd.) Arlington Heights. Memorial Mass 10:00 AM, Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at St. Alphonsus Church, 411 N. Wheeling Road, Prospect Heights. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Research, 1111 Stewart Ave., Bethgate, NY 11714. 


 

Glueckert Funeral Home

(847) 253-0168

1520 North Arlington Heights Road

Arlington Heights, IL 60004