Harry Hsu

Harry Hsu, age 94, of Johnson City, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Christian Care Center of Johnson City. A native of China, he came to the U.S. in 1944 for graduate work at the State University of Iowa, where he later earned a Masters degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Chemical Engineering. He worked at the Illinois Gas Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL, before joining Great Lakes Carbon Corporations Research Division in Morton Grove, IL. When the company relocated in 1962 to TN, he became Carbon Section leader at Great Lakes. During his distinguished 34 year career, Dr. Hsu received a dozen U.S. patents and published several technical papers. His work focused on improving the quality of petroleum coke, a product used in the aluminum and steel industries. He also developed processes to improve qualities of briquettes and long-burning fireplace logs. Dr. Hsu was a member of the American Chemical Society, Chemical Engineering Institute, International Briquette Association, and the Tri-Cities Chinese Christian Church. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Jung, in 2010. Survivors include a daughter, Kara May, of Loudon, TN; a son and daughter-in-law, David Hsu and Becky, of Alexandria, VA; a grandson and his wife, Andro Hsu and Morgan, of Berkeley, CA; and several nephews and nieces. A special thanks to the caring hospital staff and to the staff of Christian Care Center. A memorial service will be held 8:00 PM Tuesday, April 23, 2013 in the Morris-Baker Funeral Home North Chapel. Pastor Earle Chute will officiate. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 4708 Papermill Dr., Knoxville, TN 37909, or to the Salvation Army of Johnson City, 204 W. Walnut, Johnson City, TN 37604.