Sidney L. "Sid" Dowell, age 83, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away Monday, December 7, 2020 at his home. He was born January 27, 1937, in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Oscar and Martha Jean Ross Dowell. Sid's mother passed away when he was two years of age. After her death, Sid and his two siblings lived with, and were raised by their mother's parents, Harry and Helen Ross. He attended Maple Grove Grade School and graduated from Stronghurst High School in 1954.

Following high school, he worked for Gibb Simpson as a mechanic. In 1956, he and his brother, Larry, began farming their grandfathers's farm, and grew that into a very successful operation. He retired from farming approximately ten years ago.

On January 26, 1956, Sid married Diane Grigsby in Marks, Mississippi. They had three sons; Danny, Scotty, and Ronnie, and two daughters; Robin and Erin. Diane preceded him in death on June 4, 1996. On June 27, 2002, Sid married Judy (Stevenson) Melvin in Burlington. Judy preceded him in death on October 30, 2008.

Sid was a respected farmer and loved to share his knowledge of farming, livestock, machinery and equipment with others. He was always willing to reach out and help others, and never asked for anything in return. He especially enjoyed helping younger people and tried to inspire them to learn to live by working hard, being honest and dependable, and caring for life of all kinds.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, two wives, , all five of his children, and his older brother, and farming partner, Larry Dowell.

Sid said he wanted people to remember him simply by: "HE TRIED".

Survivors include four grandchildren; Devin Stivers of Quincy, IL, Courtney Sheich of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Matt and Ryan Druffel, one great grandson; Jaxson Sheich, two step children; Kathy Wren and Richard Melvin, one sister; Sheila Wells of Bloomington, IL, one brother; Rodney Dowell of Girard, IL, and one sister in law; Becky Dowell of Stronghurst. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and a very special dog "Sophie".

Friends may call as they desire on Friday from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Stronghurst Cemetery, with Rod Dowell officiating. Due to the pandemic, CDC restrictions and recommendations will be observed. Memorials have been established for the MST Fire Department and the Stronghurst - Raritan Ambulance Service.