<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
</head>
<body>
<p><em>Robert Philip Koontz</em> was born in Lafayette, IN to Thyra Prevo Koontz and Theodore Valentine Koontz on March 31, 1935. Rob grew up in Monticello, IN, where he played high school football and golf and was a member of the auto, science, and glee clubs. He continued his love of science throughout his career, marveling how automobiles could become more energy efficient (having owned one of the first hybrid vehicles). </p>
<p>Rob graduated in 1953 from Monticello High School with an ambition to go to West Point. Rob’s mother, Thyra, was instrumental in making this dream come through. Rob received an appointment to the United States Military Academy through Senator Capehart and originally entered with the Class of 1959, but he faced academic challenges in Military Topography and Graphics. Rather than surrender his dream, Rob returned in 1956 and joined the Class of 1960, demonstrating the resilience that would define his character.</p>
<p>At West Point, Rob was an assistant manager for the Track Team, a member of the Hop Committee for four years, and a Sunday School teacher. “Here at the Military Academy” was a favorite phrase of Rob’s and led to many sessions of kidding or heated debate. His ability to inject humor into trying situations made the four years at West Point enjoyable for all of those who knew him. His ingenious knack for doing anything from “liberating” corn poppers and shining drainpipes to staging excellent parties and picnics won him the praise and admiration of those in Company E-1. </p>
<p>He often told the story of his last semester at West Point when he failed his final exam in Military Art and, to top it off, was the object of an intensive search for the “cadet who caused a disturbance during General Omar Bradley’s ‘return to West Point parade.’” He achieved the unwanted attention from the general’s reviewing stand by sneezing (totally unexpected and loud). The sneeze was brought on by hay fever and by the fertilizer on the Plain, disturbed by hundreds of cadets marching across. The Commandant of Cadets concluded that the cadet who sneezed would come forward and take his medicine. Rob’s roommate, the cadet company honor representative, agreed with him that the request was pushing the Honor Code too far. The cadet leadership agreed and, a few weeks later, Rob graduated and was awarded a commission in the United States Marine Corps. It was a fulfillment of his dreams and one of the greatest satisfactions of his life. He loved the Marine Corps, and they loved him.</p>
<p>After four fulfilling years of service, Rob resigned his regular commission and went on to attend graduate school. He earned an M.A.T. at Indiana University in 1966 and a Ph.D. in science and public policy from Purdue University in 1971. He continued serving his country as a Reserve officer in the Marine Corps, which remained an important part of his life. Rob was a proud father to two children, Joe and Mimi. Later, Mimi gave birth to his only grandson, Ian.</p>
<p>His career took him from the University of Cincinnati to the U.S. General Accounting Office and, in 1978, to Colorado’s Solar Energy Research Institute. His expertise in renewable energy and space technology led him to Reston, VA in 1988, where he contributed to NASA’s Space Station Freedom program through the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His work on the International Space Station earned him recognition, and he concluded his career at Princeton Economic Research Institute in Maryland, continuing his pioneering work in renewable energy.</p>
<p>While living in Virginia, Rob met and married his beloved wife, Susan. Their marriage spanned 29 joyful years, marked by shared adventures and extensive travels before they eventually made their home in North Carolina. A passionate lifelong learner, Rob continued to pursue his intellectual interests well into retirement, including studying Greek and classical literature at the University of Mississippi. Deeply committed to community service, he served as a substitute math teacher, a tutor, and a member of the Chapel Hill, NC Transportation Board. His civic engagement extended to active participation in both local and national political campaigns, driven by a strong belief in public service and democratic values. </p>
<p>Among his greatest joys were his three Labrador retrievers, including Penelope, whom he trained as a therapy dog. Together, they brought comfort and companionship to nursing home patients, embodying Rob’s generous spirit. Throughout his life, he remained a devoted man of faith, serving his local church community. </p>
<p>Rob’s resilience was tested when he survived a massive heart attack in 2023, even recovering from a two-week hospice stay. Though his health declined over the following year and a half, he faced these challenges with characteristic grace until his peaceful passing in January 2025.</p>
<p>Those who knew Rob remember him for his kindness to others and the joy he found in serving them. He credited West Point with giving him the grit to persevere, teaching him to face adversity with humor, take responsibility for his mistakes, and work through any problem with determination and integrity.</p>
<p>Robert Philip Koontz lived a life of service, learning, and love—a true testament to the values instilled at West Point and carried forward through a lifetime of meaningful contribution to his family, community, and country.</p>
<p><em>— Susan Lloyd</em></p>
</body>
</html>