Robert Allen Bohm, PhD

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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Robert Allen Bohm, PhD

October 11, 1942 - August 22, 2025