Gene Downen

Eddie Gene Downen, 91, of Omaha, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at the Enfield Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Enfield. Gene was born in Cottonwood on January 1, 1930 to Harry and Edith (Hill) Downen. Gene was a United States Marine and served in the Korean War. These two years were the only time that he ever left his beloved home in Cottonwood before moving to ERHCC in September, 2018. Gene was very well known for driving a bus for Gallatin County School for thirty-two years. Many will remember him for being “the bus driver with one arm” but few knew that his first “bus” was his own station wagon that he took the kids from Cottonwood to school in Ridgway. He also farmed and raised cattle for most of his life. Gene was a proud member of the American Legion for over fifty years. He served on the Gallatin County Water District board for twenty-one years. He also served as Weed Warden for Gallatin County. He was especially proud to have the Cottonwood Community Center dedicated in his name for service and dedication to the Oak Grove Cemetery Board for fifty years and the Asbury Township board for sixty years. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Blanche and Ida Lou, who were eleven and three at the time of their death. Gene was so loved and cared for by his “family” at ERHCC. He was surrounded with warmth and love and he will be missed by so many. There will be a graveside service for Gene on Sunday, March 21st  at 2 p.m. at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Cottonwood. The Reverend Chris Martz will be officiating the service with Ridgway American Legion conducting military honors.  Those attending should go directly to the cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Enfield Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Enfield. All donations will go toward renovating the outdoor sitting area for the residents and workers to enjoy.   Vickery Funeral Chapel of Ridgway in charge of arrangements.