IL SR1854

John R. Dowling (born August 20, 1933) and Reta A. Dowling (born January 6, 1934) of Watseka both passed away on June 17, 2018.

John served in the U.S. Army Reserve during the Korean War, taught and coached at multiple schools from 1955-1963, and served as principal of Watseka High School for 12 years; he was named Iroquois County Teacher of the Year in 1968 and was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Reta taught at multiple schools starting in the 1950s, joined the art department at Watseka Community High School in 1969, co-owned preschools, and taught 4-H; she served as president of the Iroquois Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Both were active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Watseka, served on various community boards, and were avid travelers and readers who enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren.

The Illinois Senate extends sincere condolences to their surviving sons Michael, David, and Robert; seven grandchildren; and other family members.