Robert Swanson Howey

July 1, 2018
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Swanson Howey died at his home at the Army Residence Community on July 1, 2018. He was an only child, born in a log cabin at his grandparents' homestead in Saco, Montana. He attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse, which doubled as a home for him and his mother, who was the only teacher in the school. He graduated from Saco High School and went on to complete his Bachelor's and Master's degree of Science and Agriculture at Montana State College (MSC). While at MSC, he participated in the ROTC program which led him to a 23-year career in the Air Force. Thus, he was affectionately known to his family as Colonel Bob. While in the Air Force, he worked in personnel, space systems, procurement, NASA, logistics, and contract management.
He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service as Chief of Personnel, 504th Tactical Air Support Group while serving in Vietnam. Other awards include; Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Logistics Service Agreement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Service Medal. He retired from the Air Force in 1976 and started his own insurance agency appropriately named "Montex". He was also a 33rd degree Mason with the Grand Lodge of Montana.
He met his future wife, Joan Mogan, on a blind date. They were married a year later on June 15, 1952. They raised their three children; Robert, Michael, and Kathleen, in many locations while serving in the Air Force including; California, Japan, Kansas, Alabama, Virginia, and last and best...Texas. He trod his path with a western grit. From Montana to Texas, he carved a hard-won life with an intrepid spirit. He was a sentimental man who never missed a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or opportunity to be with friends and family. He was a loving father and an adoring grandfather. He leaves countless memories of family happiness. This is the legacy he cared for most.
His passion for engineering and mechanics brought forth decades of hands-on work and dealings in cars - a side of his life that brought him great joy. He was quick to invite friends or neighbors over for a nightcap on the patio or a smoke by the chimine. Always by his side, whether in the garage, yard, or study were his loyal dogs.
He is survived by his wife, Joan, son Robert; wife Gay, son Michael; wife Rebecca, daughter Kathleen; husband Robert Toto, and grandchildren Christopher Howey, Lauren Burrus, Natalie Toto, Roberto Toto, Spencer Howey, one great grandchild on the way, and his beloved dogs, Liberty and Justice. At the end, he was ready to "fly away" back to his childhood home in Montana.
A memorial service will be held at the Army Residence Community Chapel at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 13 with Chaplain Robert Hester officiating. Reception to follow in the auditorium.
Memorial donations be made to the Army Residence Community Foundation; "Golden Diggers" 7400 Crestway, San Antonio, TX, 78239. Or contact Anna Sweeden for more information 210-646-5461/