Robert Gene HowardOak Ridge, TN Dr. Robert G. Howard of Oak Ridge died peacefully at home on Friday, October 27, 2017. He was 87. Dr. Howard was born on a small farm near Mount Vernon, IL on September 16, 1930, the second of 4 boys, to Alva and Reva Howard. The family relocated to Bethany, OK, and shortly thereafter, he began his college education at Purdue University, transferring to Oklahoma State, graduating with a degree in forestry. He put himself through college by hitchhiking to Zigzag, OR in the summers and logging. After graduation, he served in USAF for 2 years. In 1957, Dr.Howard met Marsha Murphy while they were both working in FL. They married January 10, 1959. He then completed a divinity degree, a Master's degree, and an MD in Louisville, KY. He specialized in pediatrics and in 1976, the family moved to Oak Ridge, TN where he practiced at The Children's Clinic for 33 years. He returned to the Air National Guard and became a flight surgeon at age 60, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. In addition to his wife of 58 years, he is survived by his children, Robert, Mark and his wife Laura, and his daughter Susan, and 5 grandchildren, Luke, Sam, Kaia, Mark James, and Taylor, as well as a large extended family. On his behalf, the family would like to thank his caregivers and hospice who dad loved, but daily tried to fire. Dad espoused the virtues of duty to God, country, and family. Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Services will be held at First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, November 1st at 1:00PM in the sanctuary. An on-line guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com. Donations in his name may be made to in Memphis, TN, and East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville, TN.