CARBONDALE -Southern Illinois University Carbondale's philosophy department lost "a very valued member" Monday.

John Howie, 78, who joined the department in 1966, died Monday in Carbondale.

"John Howie was a fighter for civil rights and an esteemed colleague," said Thomas Alexander, director of graduate studies for the department.

Howie served as a professor and chairman of the department in his 31-year tenure, said Dave Clarke, a philosophy professor who started work and retired at the same times as Howie. In addition to teaching, he edited several volumes of "The Leys Lectures" and wrote several books.

Howie's son Stephen told the story of his father's early life as a South Carolina minister during the 1950s in the book "The Bluffton Charge."

At a time before the civil rights movement took full charge, Howie stood against the beliefs of his prominently conservative church and advocated for civil rights advancements, Clarke said.

"He was a very courageous spokesman for civil rights very early in the 1950s at a time when it was very difficult," Clarke said.

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