Philip Benson Downum

1940 - 2024

Philip Benson Downum, aged 83, passed away on June 8, 2024, while hiking the Strawberry Crater trail near Flagstaff, Arizona.

He was born to Garland and Evelyn (Benson) Downum in Birmingham, Alabama, on June 27, 1940. Most of his childhood was spent in Flagstaff, where he developed his passion for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the mountainous terrain and cinder hills surrounding the city. In sixth grade he met the future love of his life, wife Marilyn Jean (Hersinger) Downum.

Phil described himself in his stories as a rapscallion throughout his youth, but he was a bright student with strong interests in meteorology, astronomy, and math. He graduated in 1958 from Flagstaff High, where he was president of the National Honor Society, a delegate to Boys State, treasurer of Phi Eta Sigma, and an active member of the math club. He also secured a position at the famed Lowell Observatory, where he continued to work for several summers in college. However, he believed that his greatest high school accomplishment was that he began dating Marilyn toward the end of their sophomore year.

After two years at Arizona State College at Flagstaff (now NAU), Phil married Marilyn on August 27, 1960. The newlyweds transferred together to the University of Arizona, where Phil completed a B.S. in math and physics, and then they moved to Seattle to pursue their master's degrees. Phil and Marilyn were eager to explore the country, so having never lived in the Northeast, they chose Syracuse University for Phil's doctoral studies.

In 1969, the couple moved with their infant son, Gene, to Oswego, NY, where Phil accepted a tenure-track position in mathematics at SUNY Oswego. There they raised Gene and Denell, born 1972; built a cherished family home on six acres of land; became faithful members of Grace Lutheran Church; and were blessed with many good friends. Phil thrived in his career. He was a skilled mathematician, but his greatest contributions were in the classroom and in the administration of his department. In 1990, Phil received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. He served five elected terms as chair of the Mathematics Department. His colleagues remember Phil for his effective "Let's get it done" style of management and for his ability to foster an atmosphere of common purpose and collegiality.

At the end of Phil's career, he and Marilyn had the adventure of a lifetime when they moved to Australia so he could teach two semesters at Ballarat University near Melbourne. In 2000, Phil retired, and the couple moved back to Flagstaff. There, Phil devoted himself to caring first for his elderly parents and subsequently for Marilyn as her health deteriorated. He gave generously of his time to community and charitable organizations including their church Living Christ, the Kiwanis Club, Northern Arizona Healthcare, the Museum of Northern Arizona, and the Flagstaff Family Food Center, and to his broad circle of friends.

Phil was preceded in death by his beloved Marilyn in 2020 after more than 60 years of marriage. He is survived by his son Gene, daughter-in-law May, granddaughters Arwen and Olivia; daughter Denell, son-in-law Erik, granddaughters Eleanor and Vivian; sisters Carolyn White and Janice Barnett; and six loving nieces and nephews. Phil was a hero to his two younger sisters, a beloved role model to his children, and a wonderful grandfather.

The family will hold a celebration of life at Shepherd of the Hills church in Flagstaff at 11am on August 3rd. Memorial contributions may be made to the Flagstaff Family Food Center or to the Garland and Evelyn R. Downum Award at NAU.