EDWARD NEUMANN

1942 - 2017

EDWARD NEUMANN Edward S. Neumann, known to his family and friends as "Ed," passed away October 21, 2017, at the age of 75. He was born March 6, 1942, in Harvey, Illinois, to Adeline and Art Neumann. Ed attended Thornton High School in Harvey, Illinois, earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan Tech University and earned both a Master of Science and PhD in Civil Engineering from Northwestern University. After completing his academic studies, Ed married Carole (Dunkelberger) Neumann in 1969. Ed served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a researcher at the Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. After completing his military service, Ed devoted the next 20 years of his life as a university professor and researcher at West Virginia University. He served as a project member of the Personal Rapid Transit system where he tested levitation mode guideways. In 1991, Ed took advantage of a unique opportunity to continue his academic and research career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas ("UNLV"). Ed was a member of the faculty of UNLV for 23 years and served as the Chair of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department for nine years. One of Ed's most admirable qualities was his enthusiasm for life-long learning. This characteristic is best demonstrated by his return to Northwestern University as a student of prosthetics at the mature age of 55. Ed was never too old to explore new interests and delve into study. After completing his academic studies, Ed interned at Superior Limb and Brace in Las Vegas and became a Certified Prosthetist. Ed pursued his passion for prosthetics while continuing to carry a full workload as a teaching and research professor at UNLV. Ed's academic and research interests in his late career concentrated on prosthetics. Ed participated in several research and grant studies through UNLV. Ed authored an introduction to engineering text book, researched and published numerous articles discussing both civil engineering and prosthetic subjects. Ed was a Professional Engineer and distinguished as Professor Emeritus at UNLV. Ed was a voracious reader, adventurous traveler and a patron of the arts. Ed also enjoyed hiking, biking, skiing, photography and "trains, planes and things that go." As a hobby, Ed held a pilot license for many years and flew small planes and performed aerial acrobatics. Ed was able to experience flights in two World War II warbirds. Ed's greatest joy in life was family. In retirement, Ed helped care for two grandchildren in Las Vegas, and travelled to visit his two other grandchildren. Ed is survived by his wife, Carole; two sons, Ed Jr. and Jon, and their families, including their two sons and two daughters; and numerous cousins. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, November 20, at Green Valley Presbyterian Church, 1798 Wigwam Parkway, Henderson, NV 89014. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the UNLV College of Engineering in honor of his life-long intellectual pursuits, desire to inspire students and improve lives.