Wayne Chase Obit Photo

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Wayne Chase
Date Of Birth:February 6, 1922
Date Of Death:May 26, 2011
Service Date:Private family services are being conducted.

Wayne L. Chase, 89, ofBloomington, passed away Thursday, May 26, 2011 at theI.U.HealthBloomingtonHospital. He was born at midnight on February 6, 1922 inLewiston,Idahothe first child of Charles Irvin and Agnes Joanne Chase later followed by Levon, Palmer and Clinton.  Wayne completed high school in Independent School District No.1 (chartered by Congress) inLewiston.  In 1941, he attended what is now theLewisClarkCollegeinLewistonwhere he received a teacher's certificate authorizing him to teach school. InRichfield,Idahohe taught the eighth grade, high school manual arts and acted as the grade school principal. He also coached the B-squad in basketball and assisted the football coach.  On August 16, 1942, he married his sweetheart from his college days, Dorothy Allen. He then joined the armed forces as a volunteer. On November 3, 1943 his wife pinned the gold bars of a second lieutenant and the silver wings of a pilot on him at a graduation ceremony held at Moody Field,Valdosta,Georgia. His military service took him toNorth Africa,Sicily,Englandand all over mainlandEurope. He was a troop carrier pilot flying paratroopers on their missions, towing gliders into combat, hauling supplies and ammunitions to the frontline troops, evacuating wounded and transporting troops wherever they were needed. He remained in the United States Air Force Reserve and after more than twenty-one years of service, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.  When he returned home from the war, he enrolled  at the University of Idaho were he received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering in 1949, a Master degree in 1949 and in 1957 he earned the Professional Degree of Chemical Engineer. He spent his fifty year professional career in nuclear technology. During his career, he was in charge of the design of the heat transport systems for the three largest liquid-metal-cooled fast breeder reactors in theUnited Statesat that time. In 1982, Wayne and his wife formed a consulting firm and for the rest of the twentieth century provided consulting services to utility companies and industry in the areas of nuclear power.  Waynewas a Fellow in the AmericaninstituteofChemical Engineers(AIChE), a member of the American Nuclear Society (ANS), and a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). He served on the national ASME Code Committee on Inservice Inspection of liquid-metal-cooled nuclear plants. He authored many reports, articles and papers and co-authored a book dealing with his areas of expertise.  Wayneis survived by his son Michael W. Chase and wife JoAnn ofSpringville,IN; three grandchildren Lauren Marie Edwards and husband Ben, Maria Dorothy Chase and Dominick Michael Chase; two great-grandchildren Asa Chase Edwards and Burr Warren Edwards; and one brother Palmer Chase.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy Allen Chase and two brothers Levon Chase and Clinton Chase.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.  Private family services are being conducted. Allen Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

 


  • From: michael g lewis
    Location:st thomas, usvi

    Michael, Very sorry about your loss. Never knew about your father's life. A man to be admired. Been a long time since i've seen or talked to you and joann. i should be up there in mid july, give you a shout. Mike lewis


  • From: Christine DiRito
    Location:Olympia WA

    Michael: Your dad was an exceptional man, and so full of love -- love that he shared with my mother, Ruth. She had such a very special place in her heart for your father and mother. I hope the three of them are now together in Peace. I'm thinking of you - take care. Your "west coast cousin" Christine


  • From: Dawn Muenchow
    Location:Ligonier, PA

    Michael- My husband, Herbert, worked for Wayne at Westinghouse about 25 years ago. Dorothy and I were friends and your dad, mom, Herb and I had some good times together. We have had no contact at all after your parents moved to Indiana to be close to you. We send you deepfelt sympathy on the loss of your dad and mom. It is so hard to see this generation pass as all were outstanding people. Herbert is now a stroke patient unable to communicate, but he remembers Wayne fondly.