Robert Lee Lykens

LYKENS, ROBERT LEE - 79, beloved father, brother, and grandfather, passed from this life on August 22, 2008. Surrounded by family, friends, and caring staff at UT Medical Center, he died peacefully, knowing that he would soon be in Heaven. Mr. Lykens, who graduated from Knoxville High School and West Point Military Academy, was an officer in the U.S. Army before beginning a long and illustrious career as an engineer with the space and nuclear industries. After living and working in many cities in this country and abroad, he retired to Knoxville in 1995 and has devoted his time to writing and the study of history and government. Admired by all who knew him, he will be remembered as a true gentleman and a man of impeccable character, an idealist who never strayed from the values taught by his parents, Hoyt Victor and Bessie Ratcliff Lykens. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Chivers Lykens. Those who are celebrating his life, while mourning their own loss, include his daughter, Brooke with her husband Warrant Officer Ed Neely and children Abigail and Joshua; his brother, John Lykens and sisters, Rosemary Burr and Shelby Foster.