Recognizing the Outstanding Life and Loss of A Great Community Leader Edgar Lawrence ``dooky'' Chase III

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an outstanding gentleman and New Orleans icon, Edgar Lawrence ``Dooky'' Chase III. He was born in New Orleans on May 10, 1949, to Edgar L. ``Dooky'' Chase Jr. and Leyah ``Leah'' Lange Chase. Mr. Chase was known for his role as an educator and a leader in our community. After years of mentoring, guiding, and serving others, Dooky passed away on February 21, 2024.

Mr. Chase grew up in the Treme neighborhood, alongside his three sisters, Emily, Stella, and Leah. As owners of the renowned establishment Dooky Chase's Restaurant, Dooky's family has stood as a symbol of tradition and responsibility in our community. It was his family that instilled in him deep-rooted values and faith, which pushed him to become a force for all good in our society.

Chase's dedication to social progress was evident from a young age, through his efforts to promote voter registration with the NAACP's Youth committee in the 1960s. In 1967, he graduated from Jesuit High School, where he formed part of the first integrated class. He continued his path as a pioneer for social justice at Loyola University New Orleans, where he served as the first African American Class President. He then pursued a master's in business administration at Columbia University, followed by a law degree at Loyola University New Orleans.

After serving as Captain in the Marine Corps and working at Price Waterhouse Coopers, Dooky served as a faculty member and administrator at Dillard University in New Orleans. His commitment to serving others was evident throughout his 20 years at this institution, which culminated in a role as the Dean of the Business School. After years of mentoring students through this role, he decided to retire. However, this retirement did not last long, as Dooky graciously accepted a request by Dillard University to return as Vice President of Facilities to manage the school's rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina.

In addition to his achievements in his education and career, he served on numerous boards, commissions and councils throughout his life, some of which 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, New Orleans Botanical Gardens, the Bureau of Governmental Research, Loyola University Board of Trustees, City Park Improvement Association, Inc., New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, Board of Trustees of Our Lady of Holy Cross College, Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans, New Orleans Museum of Art, Millennium Port Authority of Louisiana, State Board of Economic Development, and State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

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 Historic Upper Room renovations of the Dooky Chase Restaurant, where many Civil Rights Leaders met to discuss many of the country's segregation issues.

Mr. Chase had much to be proud of, yet his greatest source of pride was that which he felt for his family. On December 23, 1973, Dooky married the love of his life, Alva Jean, and in 1975, they welcomed twins Travis and Trevor into their lives. Seven years later, in 1982, they welcomed their third son, Edgar ``Dooky'' IV. The three boys went on to have their own children, who gave their grandfather the nickname ``Big Daddy.''

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. He is survived by his loving wife, Alva Jean Darensbourg Chase. His sons Travis Chase and Trevor Chase, Edgar ``Dooky'' 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.

Edgar ``Dooky'' Chase, III was an inspiring and compassionate man. He mentored thousands of young people in Louisiana's Second Congressional District and was at his mother's side running the World Famous Dooky Chase Restaurant. My prayers are with the Chase Family as they continue to carry on the Chase Family Legacy. May he rest in peace.

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