SAN ANGELO, Texas — The former San Angelo mayor who departed the country before being sworn in to his fourth term has reportedly died.
A post on social media said, "San Miguel de Allende lost a beloved Friend, husband and legendary Realtor today. In my short time here he welcomed me into his circle and I had the pleasure of working with him and his amazing husband Eduardo Mora who we all need to wrap our arms around. Joseph made a huge impact on the world and is a fellow Texan. Please say a prayer for all who loves him."
Joseph "J.W." Wendel Lown, 47, left the town he called home in 2009 to travel to Mexico with his then-partner, because gay marriage was not yet legal in the United States. He married his now-husband in Mexico, went to law school, became a lawyer and was also a top-rated realtor in San Miguel.
Lown's sudden departure made local, state, national then world news with many San Angelo residents shocked at his reason for leaving. A Texas Monthly article in September 2009 likened Lown's story to that of King Edward VIII, only Lown's love interest was a man.
Many constituents who voted for their beloved young mayor expressed that despite initial shock, no one cared that he was gay. Over the years, countless San Angelo residents continued to refer to the handsome, charismatic Lown as "mayor." One resident in 2009 said they were more shocked that he had dual citizenship than they were about his lifestyle.
Lown continued to travel to San Angelo in the years since he moved to Mexico for love. Photos with friends and constituents are sprinkled across social media during and after his visits home. His sister, Alicia, still lives in Tom Green County.
Recently, Lown dipped his toe to test the water in the political arena once again, then decided against it. He was very vocal on the Respect for Marriage Act.
Details into his death, which appears to have been sudden, are limited.
His friend and former campaign treasurer, attorney Greg Gossett, is expected to release a statement about Lown's death soon.