Frank M. Tiller

FRANK M. TILLER, 88, who was Professor Emeritus and M.D. Anderson Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Houston, passed away January 3 at Clear Lake Regional Medical Center in Webster. Weakened by Alzheimer's, he died from pneumonia. Known internationally as the "Father of Modern Filtration Theory," Dr. Tiller made major contributions to the field of solid-liquid separation, especially the development of a unified theory of flow through a compactable porous bed. His theory is applicable to a wide range of industries such as the chemical industry, environmental protection, wastewater, pulp and paper, yeast and beer, drilling for petroleum, and many others. Fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish, he also was involved in the development of higher education in Latin America. Dr. Tiller, who holds multiple honorary degrees from several South American universities, also traveled to Europe and Asia to work with foreign programs. In addition to his research and his work in international academic advancement, Dr. Tiller also provided strong leadership that elevated the academic quality and standing of the college of Engineering at the University of Houston during its early formative years. Born Feb 26, 1917 in Louisville, Kentucky, Frank Tiller knew by the age of 10 he wanted to be an engineer. He graduated from DuPont Manual Training High School in 1933. He earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in 1937 from the University of Louisville, his master of science degree in 1939 from the University of Cincinnati where he also earned his PhD in 1946. From 1942 to 1951 he was Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University in Nashville TN where he also served as Executive Director of the Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science from 1946 to 1951. In 1951 he moved to Beaumont Texas, where he directed the development of engineering at Lamar State College of Technology and became the first Dean of the School of Engineering. Finally in 1955 he came to the University of Houston to spend more than 45 years in teaching, research and international affairs. From 1955 to 1963 he served as the first Dean of the Cullen College of Engineering. He played an important role in the College's growth by dramatically upgrading the education level of the facility. In 1963 he was named Director of the newly formed Office of International Affairs and proceeded to expand the University's role in international academic advancement. In 1967 he was named Director of the Center for the Study of Higher Education in Latin America. In 1972 Dr. Tiller returned to full time teaching and research. In 1987 Dr. Tiller was named a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) in recognition of his contributions in the fields of solid-liquid separation and for his work in developing engineering education in Latin America. Dr. Tiller married Ann Quiggins of Louisville in 1941 and they had two children. After the untimely death of Ann in 1981 he married his second wife, Martha Monroe. Martha died in 2004. Dr. Tiller is survived by his daughter Fay Tiller Bryan, his son Richard Tiller, and two grandchildren, Cynthia Bryan and Christopher Bryan. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 4:00pm, at the University of Houston Religion Center, 3800 Cullen Blvd., Entrance 13, Houston, Texas.