[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 37 (Thursday, February 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING LIFE AND LOSS OF A GREAT COMMUNITY LEADER 
                   EDGAR LAWRENCE ``DOOKY'' CHASE III

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TROY A. CARTER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 29, 2024

  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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