Edward Estes, Former Engineering Professor, Dies March 30
Edward R. Estes Jr., of Norfolk, professor emeritus of civil engineering technology, died March 30, 2008. He was 83.
Born in Richmond, he earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Tulane University and a master's in applied mechanics from Virginia Tech.
Following his service as a Civil Engineer Corps officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve, Estes taught at the University of Virginia. He then pursued a career in the private sector, from 1955 to 1978, which included positions as research engineer with the American Institute of Steel Construction; director of engineering with Florida Steel Corp.; director of engineering with Montague-Betts Co.; chief research engineer with American Iron & Steel Institute; and engineering manager for special development with Republic Steel Corp. He founded his own engineering consulting firm, Estes & Associates, in 1972.
Estes joined ODU's civil engineering technology department in 1978 with the rank of professor and received tenure in 1982. He was recruited by the university to chair the CET department, and following this service he was designated associate dean of the College of Engineering.
Estes taught a variety of courses and received a teaching award from the civil engineering technology student body. He was active on a number of national committees dealing with standards for construction materials.
After retiring from ODU in 1993, Estes reactivated his consulting business and served as technical consultant for the National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers.
He held memberships in many professional engineering organizations, and was a member and past director of the Norfolk Rotary Club.
Estes, who was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Betty Lee Estes, is survived by three daughters, Virginia Lee Zimmerman of Roanoke, Ind.; Susan Page Estes of Chicago; and Elizabeth Anne Estes of Skaneateles, N.Y.; and two sons, Edward Richard Estes III and William Thomas Estes, both of Norfolk.
A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, at Larchmont United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond. The family will receive friends at Cox Funeral Home, 631 Westover Ave., Norfolk, from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 1.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in his memory in honor of his wife Betty Lee Estes, to the Southeastern Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 6315 North Center Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502.
Condolences may be offered to the family through www.dmvobits.com/cox. territorial