Joseph M. Downer was born in Colon Hospital on May 21, 1942 to the late Leonidas Marcel and Antonio Downer, also deceased. He was the fourth of seven children.

Joe received his secondary education at Rainbow City High School in the community where he lived. His early school years were difficult in that Joe was frivolous, hyperactive and rebellious.

As Joe approached high school he put away flippancy and started a long trek to academic heights. With the encouragement of relatives, friends and even teachers that he had once defied and rebelled against Joe attended one of Panama’s prestigious higher institutions of learning, Panama’s Catholic University, Santa Maria La Antigua, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

He married English Professor Angela Shojgreen, who became the wind under his wings. Angela bore him two sons. Despite financial hardships, Joe was determined to continue his education. In a show of sacrifice and determination Joe ventured to the US (Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan) to participate in an academic exchange research program. He managed to later have his wife join him, along with the two boys. All four pursued their higher education, each in his own field of interest; but Joe was the driving force of encouragement for his family.

Reaching the highest level of academia, Joe earned a doctoral degree (PhD), standing out as the true example of a scholar. Then Joe began a teaching career that ended abruptly on Sunday 3 March 2002.

He died in a Milwaukee hospital with his faithful wife and proud sons at his side.

Joe has gone but is still alive in the hearts of his lifelong friends let alone his dear wife and sons. We are all proud of him. The story of his life and achievements will long be repeated to our offspring for years to come.

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