Joe N. Downs
April 5, 1938 - Jan. 3, 2020

Joe was born in Grady Arkansas to “Buddy” Joe and Jewel Downs. He had two sisters — Margarette and Carol Anne — and three brothers, Robin, Robert and William. He served in the Army in 1955. In 1957 he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Gattis-Downs, and were happily married for 62 years.

They moved to Samoa in 1968, and lived there for 52 years. Together they had three sons — Joe, Mike and Billy. Joe was a wonderful Dad who loved taking his sons fishing or supporting them in sports. He coached little league for years. He worked at the pulp mill as a instrument technician until he retired.

He was the best grandpa ever to Sheryl, Shayne, Ryan, Tawny and Timothy. And the best great-grandpa ever to Shalee, Jaden, Addilyn, Madisyn, Jaylynn, Blakelyn, Britton. He also loved his church family from Eureka Pentecostal Church. He spread cheer everywhere he went. You would never see him without a smile on his face. He loved so many, and so many loved him. He worked hard his whole life and loved helping others. The world will not be the same without him in it. He is so greatly missed. But will never be forgotten.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Joe Downs’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.