Edward J. Downs, a lawyer described as having a soft tough for those in need, passed away from pancreatic cancer last week. Mr. Downs spent five years with the Cook County Public Defender's Office before becoming McHenry County's first public defender. "I think he really semi-adopted his clients," said Chuck Murphy, a criminal defense attorney who met Mr. Downs 37 years ago. "He took an interest in that [client's] case, but also in what was going on in the person's life." Mr. Downs received his master's degree from Loyola University and his law degree from DePaul University. Click here to read the full obituary in the Chicago Tribune.

Rockford attorney Timothy J. Condon Sr. passed away last month at his home in Loves Park after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Condon graduated from the University of Notre Dame and received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin. Click here to read the full obituary in the Rockford Register Star.

Charles Robert Vaughn died last month at age 87, in Olney after a short illness. Vaughn graduated from Millikin University in Decatur in 1943, and, following service in the United States Marine Corps, from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1948. He was a longtime member of ISBA, and served a total of 32 years in the State's Attorney's Office of Richland County: 8 as an assistant and 24 as the elected State's Attorney (1952-64, 1968-80). He was married to the former Elizabeth Gassmann, who predeceased him in 1985. They had nine children, eight of whom survive, as well as 22 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Two of Vaughn's sons, Charles Bradley Vaughn and Ray Vaughn, are attorneys in Olney, Illinois. Two of his grandchildren are also attorneys: Corrie Valrose of Chicago, and Charles Zachary Vaughn with Patton & Ryan, also in Chicago. Further obituaries are available at olneydailymail.com and herald-review.com (Decatur).

The Hon. Thomas R. Flood, 83, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, passed away Monday at Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Fla. Thomas, the son of the late James and Florence Flood, was born in Red Oak, Iowa, on Jan. 27, 1926. He moved to Maywood in 1936, and graduated from Proviso High School in 1944. Judge Flood attended the University of Notre Dame as a member of the V12 program and received his law degree from Loyola University School of Law in 1949. He received his license to practice law in the State of Illinois in 1949. As a member of the United States Navy, Judge Flood served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater and in Japan. Recalled to the Navy in 1951, he served as a lieutenant aboard the USS Mt. McKinley in the Korean Conflict and was later assigned to the Judge Advocate General staff until his discharge in 1953. Judge Flood began his law career as corporate counsel for the Aurora and Elgin Railway Company in Elmhurst. In 1955, he moved to Streator and became associated with the law office of Daniel McMullen. In 1957, he opened his own practice in Streator as well as serving as a special prosecutor for the LaSalle County State's Attorney and as City Attorney for the City of Streator. Judge Flood was appointed to the bench as a circuit judge for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in LaSalle County in March of 1973 where he served until his retirement in 1990. Upon retirement, Judge Flood relocated to Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., building a home at the PGA National Golf Club. He was an avid golfer. He also enjoyed competitive bridge, square dancing and the Chicago Bears. Judge Flood married Theresa (Gore) Flood on February 11, 1950, in Elmhurst. He is survived by his beloved wife, his son J.D.