Edgar Lawrence "Dooky" Chase III

1949 - 2024

Edgar Lawrence "Dooky" Chase III was born the only son of Edgar L. "Dooky" Chase Jr. and Leah Lange Chase on May 10, 1949 in New Orleans. He passed away on February 21, 2024, with his loving wife Alva by his side and surrounded by his family. Growing up in the vibrant Treme neighborhood, Dooky was surrounded by his three sisters, Emily, Stella and Leah. Raised in a household rooted in faith and community service, Dooky was instilled with a sense of responsibility from a young age. His family's renowned establishment, Dooky Chase's Restaurant, was not just a business but a symbol of unity and tradition for the community, and beyond. Given the nickname "The Prince" by his mother and sisters, Dooky was both celebrated and entrusted with the duty to always stand up for what is right. Guided by the values instilled in him by his family, he dedicated his life to serving others and making positive impacts on the world. From a young age, Dooky displayed a deep-rooted dedication to social progress. In the 1960s, he actively participated in voter registration initiatives with the NAACP's Youth Committee. A trailblazer in integration, Dooky was part of the first integrated class at Jesuit High School, graduating in 1967. He continued his academic journey at Loyola University New Orleans, where he made history by becoming the first African American Class President. His pursuit of knowledge led him to Columbia University, where he earned a Master of Business Administration, followed by a return to Loyola for law school. Dooky's commitment to service extended to his military service as a Captain in the Marine Corps, and later, to his successful career at Price Waterhouse & Company and Cox Communication. His passion for education and leadership shone brightly during his tenure as the Dean of the Business School at Dillard University, where he dedicated over 20 years to shaping young minds and assuming various faculty and administrative roles. Testimony to Dooky's value as a thought leader was that after his retirement, he was asked by the University to return to manage its rebuilding as Vice President of Facilities. Amidst his many accomplishments, Dooky's greatest source of pride and joy was his enduring love and unwavering commitment to his wife, Alva Jean. Married on December 23, 1973, they recently celebrated 50 years of marriage, a testament to their deep bond and shared journey through life's triumphs and challenges. In 1975, Dooky and Alva were overjoyed to welcome twins, Travis and Trevor, into their lives, followed by the arrival of Edgar "Dook" IV in 1982. All three sons went on to pursue their education at Dillard University. As they started families of their own, Dooky embraced his role as a grandfather with open arms.

Upon the birth of his first grandchild, Caitlin, Dooky's title transformed to "Big Daddy," a name that would resonate with all his grandchildren, including Ava, Zoë, Lil' Trevor, Sidney, and Vito, along with their parents. Big Daddy's heart overflowed with love for his family and an appreciation for life's simple pleasures - indulging in all things chocolate, maintaining spotless walls, relaxing in his cherished leather recliner, staying active through biking and walking, tidying up around the restaurant, and savoring his daily morning ritual of coffee and fruit with Granny. An avid reader, Dooky was enthralled with historical research, and storytelling. He was also a deeply spiritual, devout Catholic; often reflecting on the role his faith played in his philosophical commitments, and perspective on all aspects of life. If you were one of the lucky ones, you were able to get a glimpse of the book he was working on – "Running on Raindrops", a trilogy of historical fiction. His other works in progress included event planning for the Chase Family Foundations' annual Juneteenth celebration and fundraising events, and project management of the restaurant's Upper Room renovations. Edgar served numerous boards, commissions and councils in his lifetime; some of the most recent include, the Chase Family Foundation, the Anti-Defamation League, New Orleans Public Radio (WNOE), Touro Hospital, The New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), Metropolitan Crime Commission, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana, Inc., The New Orleans Opera Association, City of New Orleans Municipal Employees Retirement System, the New Orleans Botanical Gardens, the Bureau of Governmental Research, the Loyola University Board of Trustees, the City Park Improvement Association, Inc., the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, the Board of Trustees of Our Lady of Holy Cross College, the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans, New Orleans Museum of Art, the Millennium Port Authority of Louisiana, the State Board of Economic Development, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Ambassador of the ideals of Liberty and Love, Dooky joyfully gave of his talents to be of service to others. He delightedly looked forward to the possibilities that each day brought, the prospect of a new project, the chance to meet a new friend, the opportunity to share in the celebration of others and the ability to show his gratefulness. Edgar was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar "Dooky" L. Chase, Jr. and Leyah "Leah" Lange Chase, his sister Emily Chase Haydel, brothers-in-law Wayne Reese Sr. and Gary Darensbourg. Edgar leaves behind a legacy through his loving spouse, Alva Jean Darensbourg Chase. His sons Travis Chase and Trevor Chase, Edgar "Dook" Chase IV. Grandchildren: Caitlin and Zoe Chase; Ava and Trevor Chase Jr.; and Sidney Chase and Edgar "Vito" L. Chase V. Daughter-in-law, Gretchen Fauria Chase, as well as former daughters-in-law, Chastity Haydel Chase and Minaxi Desai Chase. His sisters Stella Chase Reese and Leah Chase Kamata. Brother-in-law James V. Haydel Jr., Brother and Sister-in -law Glenda and James "Jimmy" Llorens, and Sister-in-law Phyllis Darensburg and a host of nieces and nephews from the Haydel, Reese, Kamata, Darensbourg and Llorens families. Relatives and friends of the family, Staff and friends of Dooky Chase Restaurant, Chapter IV, Members of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Alpha Alpha Member Boule, The Bunch Club, and The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem, Dillard University, The Music Community, also Priest and Parishioners of St. Peter Claver, Our Lady of the Rosary, Transfiguration and all neighboring churches are invited to attend a Visitation at 8:30am-11:00am on Thursday, February 29th, 2024 at St. Peter Clevar Catholic Church, 1923 St. Philip St. NOLA. Funeral Mass begins at 11:30 AM. Interment: St. Louis #3 Cemetery NOLA. Arrangement by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the The Edgar "Dooky" Jr and Leah Chase Family Foundation in Edgar "Dooky" Chase III's honor. P.O. Box 791313 New Orleans, LA 70179 www.dookychasefoundation.org.