Dr. Yoshi Fukasawa

1947 - 2018

Dr. Yoshi Fukasawa

Dr. Yoshikazu Fukasawa, 70, went from his beloved classroom to eternal rest on Sunday, February 11, 2018. Born July 5, 1947 to the late Yoshiaki and Chieko Fukasawa at Engaru Hokkaido, Japan, he later made Kansas his home. Dr. Fukasawa did his undergraduate work at Fort Hays State University and then received both his master's degree and his Ph.D from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas

The study of economics has always been his passion and Midwestern State University was lucky enough to add him to the staff in 1978 as assistant professor of economics. From there his presence and expertise became widely renowned throughout the area. He became Director later named Dean of the College of Business Administration in 1995 thru 2002. More recently he is the Chair of the Department of Economics and Finance while simultaneously serving as Professor of Economics at MSU

Dr. Fukasawa was very involved in publishing many articles concerning every aspect of economics. Many of the articles written with close friends at MSU appeared in nationally read reports, and consequently he was sought after as a speaker for numerous events concerning economics. Those events included guest lecturer at Cameron University, First National Bank, University of Texas at Tyler, and several times at MSU at the annual MSU Honors Program Symposium. In 1983 and then again in 1994 he was involved in the Streich Lectures on Free Enterprise at the Dillard College of Business at MSU. In 1983 he was a nominee for the State-Wide Piper Award from MSU and that same year he was recognized as Outstanding Young Man of America, and also received the "Meritorious Faculty Award" from the National Leadership Institute. In 1984, he was recognized as the "Hardin Professor" by the Wichita County Hardin Foundation. In 1996, Phi Chi Theta recognized Dr. Fukasawa with the "Outstanding Faculty Award." In 2005, he was once again recognized by the MSU faculty as such, and then in 2006 MSU Student Government Association awarded him with the same recognition

Dr. Fukasawa loved his family and he loved his community. He not only met students on a level they could understand, but he shared his example by being involved with numerous outside organizations. At one time he was a Kiwanian, a Lion's Club member and a Kiowa Kook, but one in particular was his longtime membership in Downtown Rotary Club of W.F. In Rotary he was a Paul Harris Award recipient and used his Rotary knowledge to start a Rotaract Club at MSU

He is survived by his wife, Carmen. They were married May 25, 1974, and to that union were born daughter, Asami Shook and husband Brad; sons, Yoshi Fukasawa and wife Sarah, and Kenji Fukasawa and wife Leigha. Five grandchildren were his pride and joy, Ava Fukasawa, Kinsley Shook, Noah Fukasawa, Grace Fukasawa and Wyatt Fukasawa. Also surviving were sisters, Chikako Kagawa, Chizuko Kinouchi, and Midori Minami, and one brother, Akio Fukasawa

A service of memorial will be held Saturday, February 17th at 3:30 in the afternoon at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Don Pellikan officiating. The family will receive friends after the service in the Prothro Family Atrium. Arrangements are under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home of Wichita Falls

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com