Robert St. Clair

Robert Coulter St. Clair passed away at the age of 92 on May 18, 2018. Robert was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., on June 12, 1925, to Harry and Ruth Coulter St. Clair. He lived most of his life in Chattanooga, moving to Washington, D.C., in 2016, to be near his family. After graduation from Chattanooga High School in 1943, Robert served for 27 months in the US Army during World War II. Seventeen months of his tour of duty were spent in the European Theater of Operations. At the time of his discharge, he had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and had been awarded a campaign ribbon with four battle stars, two Bronze Stars, and a Combat Infantry Badge. Upon completion of his military obligation, Robert earned an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He was then hired as a Construction Engineer by the Division of Power Engineering and Construction of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred to the Electrical Engineering and Design Branch. He served there for 37 years before retiring as Branch Chief. Robert was a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Tennessee and a past president of the Chattanooga Chapter of the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers He was an industry advisor for the Electric Power Research Institute. Robert was also a past chairman of the Institute of Electrical Electronic Engineers Substations Committee. While Robert loved his career, he had many interests outside of his work. He was happiest when traveling up Mt. LeConte on a horse, down the Grand Canyon on a mule, along the Grand Canal in Venice on a gondola, or across America in an RV. He was proud to have visited all 50 states. A civic-minded man, he served as Chairman of the Board of John Calvin Presbyterian Homes and President of the Chattanooga Half Century Club. Robert was incredibly dedicated to his family, including his 32 first cousins and his in-laws, several of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his faithful and loving wife of fifty years, Carla Bowden St. Clair, his parents, and his brother Harry Sherman St. Clair. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law Joy and William Lee Lusk, Jr., and his three grandchildren, Robert Coulter Lusk, Clair Ferguson Lusk and William Bowden Lusk, all of Washington, DC. His grandchildren were the uncontested delights of his life, and he modeled for them how to look for the good in every situation. Robert was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga. A graveside service will be held at Chattanooga Memorial Park at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 28, followed by a celebration of his life at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club at Noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Chattanooga or to Young Life of Chattanooga. Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist. 5401 HWY 153, Hixson, Tenn. 37343. Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.