Dr. Joseph Low Jr.

Joseph Heaton Low Jr. was born June 6, 1936, in Coffeyville, Kan., to Mildred Makemson Low and Joseph H. Low.

He passed away Jan. 10, 2007, in Tucson, Ariz., due to complications from Parkinson's disease.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lauchette Low; a daughter, Julie Low Katinas and son-in-law Manny Katinas of Dallas, Texas; a son, Joseph Heaton Low III and daughter-in-law Claudia Brito Low of Miami, Fla.; a sister, Jean Bloomfield of Bartlesville, Okla.; grandchildren Kassie Katinas, Joseph Katinas and Joseph Heaton Low IV.

Dr. Low spent 37 years at Southeast Missouri State University in the department of speech communication. He received his B.A. in 1958 from Baker University and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Denver University in 1962.

While at Southeast he served in various positions becoming a full professor in 1974. He was a member of numerous boards and associations including Alumni Services, Graduate Studies adviser, assistant director of forensics, and director of basic speech courses.

He was a member of the Copper Dome Society, Southeast Missouri State University Foundation, the President's Council, and established the Low Lecture Series. In 1985 he was recognized by his colleagues and received the "Faculty Merit Award." His students enjoyed his candor and humor and voted him "Professor of the Year" and "Outstanding Faculty Adviser" on multiple occasions.

His passion for Southeast athletics was unequaled and he served as chairman and member of the University Athletics Committee and many terms as the faculty athletic representative and was proud to travel around the country to NCAA meetings and conventions. He was a fixture at Houck Field House and lobbied for the construction of the Show Me Center.

Prior to his retirement in 1998, he was a visiting speech professor at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff for three summers where he was inspired by the beauty and magic of the Grand Canyon State.

During his time in Cape Girardeau, Dr. Low was a member of numerous civic organizations including president of the Cape Downtown Rotary International, a board member of the Friends of Saint Francis Medical Center, a co-founder of My Daddy's Cheesecake, member of the Downtown Merchants Association and member of Centenary United Methodist Church.

In retirement he became an avid cactus gardener and enjoyed the majestic views and precious friendships of new friends in SaddleBrooke, while always keeping the door open to greet the many visitors who traveled to Arizona from Cape Girardeau.

He fulfilled dreams of traveling the world to Brazil, Europe and Australia. He enjoyed holidays and special occasions with his grandchildren and recently celebrated his 70th birthday surrounded by family and friends. Even as Parkinson's began to take control, he managed to enjoy his outdoor deck with a glass of Pinot in one hand, a fine cigar in the other, and his precious dog Carly snuggled in his lap.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held Monday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m. in SaddleBrooke.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's name may be made to: The Community Church at SaddleBrooke, 36768 South Aaron Lane, Tucson, Ariz., 85739, or the Low Lecture Series at Southeast Missouri State University.