ANN ARBOR—Prof. Emeritus Robert Edison Moyers, former chair of the Department of Orthodontics in the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and founding director of the U-M Center for Human Growth and Development (CHGD), died Jan. 8. He was 76.

A noted orthodontist, Moyers’ research focused on the role of the neuromusculature in normal facial growth as well as in the clinical treatment of malocclusion. He also was the author of an orthodontic textbook, “Handbook of Orthodontics,” which, after 40 years and four editions, continues to be widely used throughout the world. Through his pioneering efforts, the CHGD gained international prominence not only for interdisciplinary research in craniofacial biology but also in developmental biology, nutrition, public health, morphometrics, anthropology and pediatrics.

“We salute Bob Moyers not only for his professional contributions but also for his personal impact on each of our lives,” said Lysle E. Johnston, chair of the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in the U-M School of Dentistry. “He was a good friend to us. He always encouraged his students and colleagues to seek greater heights, often providing the environment and resources to make their visions possible. Bob Moyers was a wonderful and talented friend. We will miss him greatly.”

Moyers was the most highly decorated dental officer in the history of the U.S. Army, having parachuted behind enemy lines in World War II. He served as Chief Medical Liaison Officer of the Allied Military Mission to the Greek Resistance Movement, playing a critical role in the effort to liberate Greece from the Nazis. For his exploits, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, and the Purple Heart as well as the Order of the British Empire and the Order of the Phoenix from Greece. Moyers was born in Sidney, Iowa, in 1919. After graduation from the College of Dentistry at the State University of Iowa, he served in World War II. After the war, he returned to the University of Iowa for an orthodontic specialty education and doctorate in physiology. In 1948 he became chair of the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Toronto. In 1952, he became chair of the Department of Orthodontics at U-M. In 1966, he founded the CHGD, an interdisciplinary research center and served as director until 1980. He retired in 1990. Moyers received the Albert H. Ketcham Award, the highest award given in the specialty of orthodontics in 1988, and was elected to the Royal College of Surgeons in London in 1995.

Moyers is survived by his wife, Barbara Quick Moyers; two daughters, Mary Moyers of Arroyo Grande, Calif., and Martha Moyers Hambacher of Boulder, Colo.; a brother, two sisters and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor on Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the “Friends of the Moyers Symposium,” Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, U- M, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078.