Jerry E. McDowell, 79, of Mahomet died at 12:55 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2016 at Presence Covenant Medical Center in Urbana, Illinois.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Mahomet. Pastor Brian Romanowski will officiate. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., at the church. Military Rites will be performed by the Mahomet American Legion Post 1015. A luncheon will take place after the funeral.

Cremation rites will be accorded; burial will take place in Arthur Cemetery on June 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

Jerry was born September 6, 1936 in Mattoon, Illinois, the son of Maurice and Rose (Daily) McDowell. He married Judy Keeney on August 21, 1960 in Arthur, Illinois.

Jerry graduated from Mattoon High School in 1956 where he participated in the High School Army ROTC program. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his three years of military service, he was an instructor on the Nike Guided Missile Computer System at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. He retired in 1996 after 32 years of service as a conductor on the Illinois Central Railroad.

Jerry was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mahomet, Illinois.

Survivors include his wife, Judy of Mahomet, a son Brian McDowell (Natalie) of Monticello, IL. and daughter, Kim Breckenridge (husband Jerry Long) of Mahomet, IL. 6 grandchildren: Elisa (Joe) Dodge, Brad (Katie) Long, Cydney (fiancAC. Dave Crumley) Breckenridge, Andrew (fiancAC.e Sarah Simms) McDowell, Alexandria Breckenridge and Austin McDowell plus 5 great grandchildren and one brother, Richard McDowell of Great Falls, Montana.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and one son- in-law, Steve Breckenridge.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Kirby Medical Center E.R. and Presence Medical Center for their care.

Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Mahomet, Illinois.