Robert Howard Lux

Lux - Robert “Bob” Howard, 69, from Bluffton, SC, formerly of Johnstown, passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Savannah Memorial Hospital in Savannah, GA surrounded by his family. He was born on August 20, 1948 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to Rupert and Isabelle (Richardson) Lux. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Rupert A. Lux and Isabelle (Richardson) Lux and his sister, Bonnie Prokop. He is survived by his beloved, Diane Aardema, Bluffton, SC; loving children, Catherine Lux (Eren) Fry, Washington, DC, and Steven (Taylor) Lux, Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren, Eamonn and Declan Fry; siblings, Lou Ann (Harold) Partsch, Johnstown, Donna (Larry) Fitz, Hoschton, GA, Daniel (Maureen) Lux, Jonesborough, TN, Rupert (Linda) Lux, Norristown, PA, Bernadette (James) Cameron, Brooklet, GA, and Jean Ann (F. James) Fullerton, Lancaster, PA. Bob was a 1966 graduate of Ferndale Area High School and received an Associate’s Degree in Metallurgy from the Technical Institute of Pittsburgh in 1968. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1972. Bob began his career working at the Bethlehem Steel Johnstown Plant as a welder and then worked as a foreman in the coke ovens. During the 1977 Johnstown flood he spent three days in the mill ensuring the safety of employees and equipment. He was then transferred to the Bethlehem Steel Burns Harbor Indiana Plant and moved with his family to Chesterton, IN. Bob worked as a foreman in the coke ovens and blast furnace and played an integral role in writing many of the technical manuals for these areas. In 1990 Bob graduated from the University of Notre Dame with his Masters of Business Administration. He then worked in the Technology Department at Burns Harbor working to improve systems at all Bethlehem plants by collaborating with other engineers across the company. Bob won the Environmental Leadership Award in 1998 for improving the aspiration systems on the No. 1 Coke Battery. He was committed to improving the environmental impact of the steel mills and ensuring the safety of his crews. Bob served as a National Director for the former Association of Iron and Steel Engineers (now the Association for Iron and Steel Technology) in 1999. He finished his career as a foreman in 160” Plate Mill where he notably rolled the steel for the Air Force Memorial in Washington, DC. Bob retired from the now ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor plant in 2009. He eventually moved to Sun City in Bluffton, SC to enjoy his retirement. Bob was dedicated to his family and his children. He volunteered as a Boy Scout leader, a speech and debate judge, and with the local swim team. Bob served on the Chesterton town planning commission to investigate the need to build a new high school. He enjoyed playing golf and was a gifted artist, with water colors his favorite medium. Bob loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pitt, and Notre Dame football (in that order), and James Bond movies. Friends will be received from 8:30 a.m. -  9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 25th at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 25th at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown. Committal will be at St. John Gaulbert Cemetery, Geistown. The family suggests contributions be directed to the Heart Rhythm Society, the American Stroke Association, Association of Late-Deafened Adults or a charity of one's choice in memory of Bob. (Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com).