Robert G. Howard, 93, dairy and turkey farmer

Robert G. Howard, who for more than seven decades operated an Upperco dairy and turkey farm that had been in his family since Colonial times, died of a urinary tract infection Sunday at the Westminster Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was 93.

Mr. Howard was born, raised and spent his entire life on the 120-acre farm. His family's ownership dated at least to 1734.

A 1927 graduate of Franklin High School, Mr. Howard began farming in the late 1920s. Last year, he retired and sold the farm to Lippy Brothers Inc., a Hampstead-based company that operates farms.

"He had many varied interests, but his passion for roses was well-known and enjoyed by all who passed by the farm on Byerly Road," said a daughter, Virginia H. Wright of Hampstead.

Mr. Howard was a United Methodist Church lay minister and member of Boring United Methodist Church and the Men's Bible Class of Glyndon.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. today at Eckhardt Funeral Home, 3296 Charmil Drive, Manchester.

Mr. Howard also is survived by his wife of 72 years, the former Martha Wisner; two sons, Charles Robert Howard of Joppa and James W. Howard of Hampstead; two other daughters, Rosemary Lippy of Hampstead and Joyce Ann Price of Hyattsville; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.