Robert E. Howard, longtime Walton resident and educator passed away February 16, 2013 at Bassett HealthCare in Cooperstown after a long illness.

Robert was born in Downsville, NY and grew up on his family's farm in Gregory Hollow. He graduated from Downsville High School in 1941 and Oneonta State Teacher's College in 1956. He taught science at Walton Central School until his retirement in 1980.

Robert married Eleanor Jack in Delhi, NY on April 7, 1945. Robert was predeceased by his sister Marion, and his wife in 2006. They have one daughter, Nancy Howard of Wellington, Colorado.

After his retirement he spent much of his time as a professional photographer, and photographed many weddings and other local events.

Robert was a long time member of The United Presbyterian Church, the Masonic Lodge and The Delhi Bird Club.

Robert enjoyed traveling with Eleanor to Ireland, Scotland, and Maine, and to Colorado to visit their daughter, where he liked to cross over the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park. He liked to square dance, play the guitar and banjo, as well as listen to Celtic music and read poetry and Scriptures.

He enjoyed many outdoors activities in his life including hunting, camping, target shooting, snowshoeing and bird watching.

He also enjoyed studying history and his Scottish ancestry.

Robert loved the many pets that he had over the years and had a special place in his heart for wolves.

He will be remembered as a kind and gentle man who loved to make people smile.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Nancy, brother-in-law John (Sally) Jack, sister-in-law Marian Stickney, 2 first cousins, 5 nieces and nephews, special friend Florence Dibble, and many other friends.

Donations may be made to Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, PO Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753 or Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Friends and family are invited to call on Thursday morning, February 21, 2013 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the United Presbyterian Church, cors. of East and North Sts., where services will be held at 1 PM with the Rev. Dr. Lisa Ruth Mays officiating. Burial will be in Walton Cemetery in the spring.