Founder of the Rockford Institute, Dr. John A. Howard, college president, defender of the family, decorated veteran, husband, and father has died at 93.

"The title in front of his name was doctor, but he was known as a patriot, war hero, philosopher, Rockford College president, Rockford Institute founder, author, and advocate for religious and family values.

"A devout Christian, Howard was born in Evanston, but spent many summers in Rockford visiting his grandparents, Charles and Mary Sackett. After graduating in 1939 from North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka, Howard studied for three years at Princeton before serving in Europe with the U.S. Army in World War II, earning two Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts. He was also awarded a battlefield commission, a promotion given to enlisted soldiers for outstanding leadership on the field of battle.--Chris Green, the Rockford Register Star