Larry E. Dowson

Larry E. Dowson, 80 of Auburn passed away Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Mill Creek Alzheimer’s Special  Care Center in Springfield.

 He was born April 4, 1944 in Bois D’Arc Township, the son of Harold (Freck) and Lucille Dowson.

Larry married Peggy Hoots and they later divorced. He then married Linda (Emerson) Wise on December 31, 1984 at the Divernon Methodist Church.

 He was proceeded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas “Ted” Dowson.

Along with his brothers, Larry ran a successful 3rd generation hog, dairy and grain farm. As a progressive dairy farmer, he installed the first paralell milking parlor in the state. He was a member of the Illinois Holstein Association and received numerous Prairie Farms awards for milk production and quality. Larry was a pioneer in bovine non-surgical embryo transfer on his farm which improved genetics in Holsteins worldwide.

Surviving are his wife Linda; children Melanie (Joe) Eader of Edwardsville; Bobby (Lisa) Dowson of Auburn; Tracy Emerson of Auburn; Cristine (Tim) Everett of Springfield; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Ron (Edwina) Dowson of Auburn; a sister Martha Sue (Bill) Boston of Roodhouse; a sister in law, Mary Sue Dowson of Auburn; several nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside service will be held at Cumberland Sugar Creek Cemetery, Glenarm.

Celebration of Life will be held from 1pm till 4pm, Sunday, October 27, 2024 at Bramley Reception Center, 150 Reichert Rd, Divernon. 

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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