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Dr. Robert Emerson Windom

1930 - 2016

Dr.  Robert Emerson Windom obituary, 1930-2016, Sarasota, FL

Robert Windom Obituary

Windom, Dr. Robert Emerson
July 14, 1930 - October 21, 2016
Dr. Robert Emerson Windom passed away at home on October 21, 2016.
Born in Westerville, OH on July 14, 1930, he moved here in 1945 when his father, Col. Ross Windom, became the first City Manager of Sarasota. He graduated from Sarasota High School in 1948 with Sarasota native, Lelia Harmon. They both graduated from Duke University in 1952 and married the next year while he was a medical student at Duke.
'Dr. Bob' was in private practice with Windom, Page, Binns, and Harris and was Chief of Staff at both Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Doctors Hospital, President of the Sarasota County Medical Society, Florida Heart Association, Florida Medical Association, and Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
In 1986 he was nominated by President Ronald Reagan and confirmed by the US Senate to serve as Assistant Secretary of Health, the highest government position required to be filled by a physician. He served over the National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, and US Surgeon General (C. Everett Koop at the time).
He was the inaugural Chairman of the Board of Sarasota Military Academy, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Sarasota Salvation Army, a 55-year 'Legion of Honor' member of the Kiwanis Club of Sarasota, 'Distinguished Alumnus' Duke University Medical Center, board member of the Tiger Bay Club, The Glenridge, The Pines of Sarasota, and Plymouth Harbor, and was an Elder at Church of the Palms.
In addition to his wife, Lelia, he is survived by his three sons, Bob Jr. (Missy), Ross (Carolyn), and Hugh (Anne), and six grandchildren Caroline (Atlanta, GA), Porter (Ensign, US Navy), Grant (Cadet, West Point), and Reed, Sarah, and Emerson of Sarasota. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Church of the Palms at 3:00 p.m. A special thank you to Tidewell Hospice, Debra from Take Care, and care-givers over the past year Cindy and Donna. Memorial donations in his name may be made to the Church of the Palms (3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL., 34239) or Duke University School of Medicine Davison Club (Box 90581, Durham, NC., 27708-0581).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald Tribune from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Windom

Not sure what to say?





Caroline Zucker

October 17, 2024

You were a dear and faithful friend who is missed.

Caroline Zucker

October 17, 2023

I still think of Bob and his sense of humor. Said he could never forget my name because it was the same as one of his grand children.

Sylvia Gillotte

October 17, 2019

Still miss you and the work you did for the Academy.

Debbie & Phil Maiese

November 16, 2016

Dr. Bob served his community and this nation with distinction. He brought a compassion to his work and I was honored to have staffed him on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary's Council for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Our deepest condolences to the family.

Melanie Artim

November 5, 2016

Dear Mrs. Windom,

Our deep condolences to you and your family.

Dr. Bob was a very important person in our lives and he was a father and mentor to Bruce.

His courage and steadfastness illuminates our pathway.

With sincere and heartfelt regards,

Bruno and Melanie Artim-Gridelli Palermo, Italy.

Richard Bagby

November 4, 2016

Dr. Windom was a most distinguished, accomplished an loving man. His excellence was quickly realized by all who knew him. He was a friend and mentor and the world will be so much sadder without him. My special thoughts to Lelia at this time. And, so sad not to be able to be with you. Richard Bagby

gerard marsalisi

November 4, 2016

Dear Windom Family,

My prayers and love go out to you all. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to know this wonderful and great man.
lots of love,
Gerard Marsalisi

Ken Cooper

October 30, 2016

Dear Windom family,

I was saddened to hear of Dr. Windom's passing He was such a good friend to the Cooper family and served his patients, his community and his nation with skill love and devotion.
Me will be sorely missed.

October 29, 2016

On behalf of the staff and the management of the field club our condolences go out to the windom family. Dr windom has always been kind and very gracious to all of us here and is a great part of our field club history. His service to our club in many different levels as being part of our administration as well as a fantastic member will not be forgotten. If the staff and myself can be any assistance to the family during this time please don't hesitate to ask we are at your service.Sincerely yoursBobby General manager of The field club

Michael Sweeting

October 27, 2016

Bobby please accept my sympathies to you and your family with a deep sadness l will put you all in my prayers, I was very fond of your dad.

Herb Jones

October 27, 2016

I have so many fond memories of my time I was fortunate enough to spend with Bob. He was an ultimate gentle man to all. His friends ranged from Heads of State to people in all stages of their life. He made a difference in all our lives. He was always available to be your friend. He taught me the importance of giving back, when possible, to our community and organizations.
He will be missed but his Legacy will live on.

Herb Jones

Frank Farmer

October 26, 2016

Dr. Windom was such a gentleman and a great spokesman for medicine. We will all miss him.

Meg Lowman

October 26, 2016

Bob, thank you for many inspiring conversations and advice over several decades of treasured friendship.

Majors Phil and Donna Murphy

October 26, 2016

Dr. Bob was a well-loved member of The Salvation Army Advisory Board. When we were the Area Commanders of Sarasota we found him to be a valuable asset and support.
Our sympathies are extended to the family. Majors Phil and Donna Murphy

Roberta and Dr. Edward Hamilton

October 26, 2016

There are so many communities Dr. Windom touched. We in the Duke University alumni and Mote Marine areas will remember him with admiration and deep respect.

Sharon Mitchell

October 25, 2016

I am very thankful that he had the vision to inspire & help create Sarasota Military Academy. He was a very special man.

Cheryl Cochrane

October 25, 2016

We are very sorry for your loss and your family will be in our prayers.

October 25, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. We have great memories of Dr. Bob Windom and the Windom family. Will always remember our trip to Russia and China with Bob as our leader!
Deanna and Nat Natarajan

Frank Kovach

October 25, 2016

So very sorry for your loss. Dr. Windom was one of the most caring, honorable men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and serving with. Truly a huge loss for Sarasota.
Frank Kovach

Betsy Hauser

October 25, 2016

So sorry Hugh...he was such a nice man. His legacy lives on...

Robert Lechner

October 25, 2016

Decades ago Doctor Windom called me and said I was to tutor his son. My response was that I didn't do any tutoring. He said, "You do now." He wished us all the very best. Heaven has been enriched.

Sylvia Gillotte

October 25, 2016

Bob Windom was an extraordinary man, and an extraordinary Board Chairman for our Academy. He was dearly loved by our teachers and greatly appreciated for his efforts to make SMA an incredible educational institution. He will be missed. I send my love to his wife and family, and a special hug for his granddaughter Caroline.

Caroline Zucker

October 24, 2016

Dear Lelia and Family,

Mike and I are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a true mensch. I remember he always called me Caroline in that southern voice happy he could remember my name because of his granddaughter.

Dr. Bob always had a good word and a smile. He was part of Sarasota's success.

I wondered why I had not seen him - now I know.
Hugs to you.

Caroline

October 24, 2016

Dear Lelia,

Tootie and I are so very sorry to learn of Bob's passing. He was an outstanding man and a significant community leader.

Warmly,

Dan and Tootie Kennedy

Sheila Sanders

October 24, 2016

Family and Friends of Dr. Windom my prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find solace in the word of God as you reflect on memories of times shared.
Most who knew Dr.Windom considered him a rare treasure. I knew him as a kind gentleman, very knowledgeable and always polite.

May God Bless you and grant you peace.

Laura Austin

October 24, 2016

Lela,
I'm so sorry to hear of Dr. Bob's passing. May the lord lift your heart up in prayers.
Fondly,
Laura Austin

Edward Johnson

October 24, 2016

I have been and will always be thankful for the medical care and the friendship of Dr. Windom. He was a very special person in my life as I began as a teacher in Sarasota during the early 60's. Thank you, Dr. Windom.

Edward Johnson

Pamela Dunn Darley

October 24, 2016

Dr. Robert Windom, doctor, father, husband... and so much more.. He lives in you everyday.. You have all his traits, You are blessed!!!

Tommy and I love you Ross!! Sorry for your loss.,,

Cherryl Chmielewski

October 23, 2016

Rest in peace dear Doc Windom......my teacher, my mentor, my friend all these many years. Thank you for sharing yourself with a very shy young nurse, allowing the duckling to become a nurse of character. I've never forgotten. You will be forever loved and remembered by all you touched. There was no one better.

Klaus and Joan Nimptsch

October 22, 2016

We can't say how much we will miss you.
A great friend and neighbor. We will always remember you and your many kindnesses.
Rest in peace.

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Memorial service

3:00 p.m.

Church of the Palms

FL

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