Robert Allen Bohm PhD

Robert Allen Bohm PhD obituary

Robert Allen Bohm PhD

Robert Bohm Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann on Sep. 5, 2025.

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In Loving Memory of Robert Allen Bohm October 11, 1942 – August 22, 2025 Knoxville, Tennessee. Robert Allen Bohm Ph.D., age 82, passed away on August 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee following complications from open heart surgery. A gifted teacher, lifelong learner, and devoted family man, Bob served as a professor of Economics at the University of Tennessee from 1968 until his retirement in 2012. He chaired the Economics Department from 2002 to 2012 and also directed the university's Energy, Environment, and Resources Center earlier in his career. Alongside his academic career, He worked as a Forensic Economist through his company, Economics Appraisal Associates. To Bob, Economics wasn't just a profession - it was a passion and pursuit he continued wholeheartedly until his final days. He received his Bachelor's in Economics from Colgate University in 1964, completing his Junior year abroad at the London School of Economics. Bob went on to receive his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Washington, St. Louis. He was an active member of the National Association of Forensic Economics (NAFE), where his work and expertise were widely respected. His dedication, intellect, and deep sense of purpose inspired colleagues, students, and peers alike. Outside of his professional life, Bob was equally passionate about music, history, world travel, and most of all, his family. He was known for his intelligence, dry humor, singing of classic (and not so classic) songs, and unwavering love for his children and grandchildren. Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; his brother, William "Bill" Bohm (Amy); daughters Susan Thompson (Tony) , Abigail Bohm, and Sarah Starkey (Brian); and grandchildren Joshua Seylar (Mara), Timothy Kehoe, Sophie Starkey, and Maddie Starkey - all of whom will hold his memory close. A service celebrating Bob's life will be held on September 14th at The Church of the Ascension at 3pm, followed by a gathering in the Parish Hall. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Music Ministry or FISH Ministry at the Church of the Ascension, Knoxville, Tennessee, or to the Robert Bohm Economics Faculty Award Endowment, in honor of his enduring legacy. Bob will be fondly remembered for the songs he sang, whistled, and hummed, his deep love of history, his dedication to work and family, and of course - his legendary hair and beard. Church Memorials: Send care of Church of Ascension with memo for ministry of choice. 800 Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919 (865-584-0589). Endowment fund donations: give.utk.edu - or contact the Department of Economics at the University of Tennessee. Department of Economics, Cherokee Mills, Suite 108, Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919 (865-974-5061). Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com.

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September 16, 2025

Sam Carter posted to the memorial.

September 1, 2025

Patter Beldon posted to the memorial.

August 29, 2025

Donald Stevens posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Sam Carter

September 16, 2025

Professor Bohm was my mentor and dear friend. Bob (it's still hard for me to call him by his first name, but he insisted after I successfully defended my dissertation) was a young assistant professor when I entered graduate school and was assigned to work for him on a NSF project as a graduate assistant. He was always kind to me and taught me so much. After I moved on to to other positions, took a full time job, and was admitted to candidacy, we remained close. When my first dissertation research topic reached a dead end, I had a career at IBM going well and a wife and children to support, I was tempted to call it quits. Bob encouraged me to complete my dissertation and worked with me to develop a new topic. I became the first student whose dissertation he would direct. (The University didn't hold that against him as he went on to become a full professor and department head and had a distinguished career.) He taught me so much (although his deleting many pages from the first draft of my dissertation still hurts)! He taught me how to genuinely do research and write well. But most important, he led by example and demonstrated that you could insist on rigorous and demanding work while still being a warm and caring person.
This photo from his retirement party when we announced the Robert Bohm Economics Faculty Award Endowment that those of us on the Economics Advisory Council established in his honor is one of my favorites. His friendship has been one of the great joys of my life, and I miss him deeply!

Patter Beldon

September 1, 2025

Dear Mary Ellen,
I was saddened to learn of Bobs passing.
He had such a wonderful life well lived.

Thinking of you at this sad time and wishing you and your family
comfort in the days to come.

Thoughts and Prayers,
Patter Beldon

Donald Stevens

August 29, 2025

I have very fond memories of Bob and Mary Ellen from my time at UTK 1976-1981. Bob´s happy disposition and sense of humor and Mary Ellen´s warmth and friendship are still resonating in my memories of that time, even after 45 years.

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6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

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Sign Robert Bohm's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 16, 2025

Sam Carter posted to the memorial.

September 1, 2025

Patter Beldon posted to the memorial.

August 29, 2025

Donald Stevens posted to the memorial.