A. Wallace Cordes

Birth date: Jun 29, 1934 Death date: Jan 25, 2014

A. Wallace (Wally) Cordes, 79, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Saturday, January 25, 2014. He was born on June 29, 1934 in Freeport, Ill. to Arthur R. and Evelyn Vehmeier Cordes. He graduated from Freeport High School and atte Read Obituary

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Peter Pulay

554w ago

Wally, and his wife Doris, were really great. They helped us a lot when we first arrived in Fayetteville (in 1982 - 33 years ago). Wally did not have a negative streak in him. He was always helpful, unselfish. I think that the students sensed this. He got always very high marks in student evaluations. He was also very handy, and could build things. Some of his teaching aids/demonstrations are still in use. His mobiles were legendary, almost up to Caldwell.We miss Wally, and will be missing him but life has to go on.

Shelly Burnside

554w ago

I have very fond memories of Dr. Cordes. He showed up for my first day of Chem 101 in a tux -- after his son's wedding. Who can top that impression? He was an excellent mentor and advisor. Of all of the excellent professors I had at the University of Arkansas, he stands out as the most inspiring -- yet also the most personable. His memory lives on in the lives of all of his students... He is unreplaceable.

Carolyn Crook

603w ago

Dr. Cordes was an inspiration to all who had any contact with him. As a post-doc in biochemistry/chemistry--it was always fun to hear what he had done to enliven the class and to get non-scientific students to enjoy chemistry and to understand how it was involved in their entire lives. He will be missed but his legacy lives on in the many people he touched. Carolyn Crook and Scott Crook

Anonymous

605w ago

Doris and family,Wally was one of a kind. I finally followed his career advice and started teaching. It was sage advice. Cindy and I so appreciated all that you did for us while I was a grad student in Wally's group. Those were some of the best times. He will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.Willis and Cindy Weigand

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Morris Bramlett

605w ago

I began graduate school in 1985. I strongly considered working for Dr. Cordes, but chose another path. Even though I went a different direction with research, he was always an inspiration to me as a teacher. Many of the things I do today in the classroom are a reflection of what I learned from Dr. Cordes. I still consider my two Cordes Awards for Outstanding Teaching Assistant some of my greatest accomplishments. He will always be fondly remembered.

John Shore

607w ago

When I started my graduate studies I was not entirely sure of my life's direction. I was lucky enough to have Dr. Cordes as my major professor. He mentored me in both chemistry and life and has been an inspiration to me throughout my career. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My condolences to all in this difficult time.

Anonymous

607w ago

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George Knight

Bi-Cheng (B.C.) Wang

608w ago

I came to UA in 1963. Wally picked me up at the Greyhound bus station with his old model-T. Ever since that day, Wally has impacted my whole life. I have so many fond memories of being a graduate student in his lab. Beside inorganic chemistry, he inspired me in the practice of to do-it-yourself as a standard life-style for most homeowners in the country. He gave me my first lesson in playing golf that made many bare spots on his beautiful lawn. He and Dorothy hosted the rehearsal dinner for our wedding. Johnna and I were so sorry to hear of the passing of Wally. He will be greatly missed.

Alan Wray

609w ago

Prof. Cordes was my freshman chemistry instructor in 1965, and I found him to be a teacher of great insight, humor, and skill. He would frequently tie chemistry to "ordinary" life in unexpected ways by using highly personal and entertaining anecdotes. I still remember his mnemonic for remembering an electrochemical rule: "I don't like cats, so I want to reduce the number of cats; therefore reduction takes place at the cathode." His ease and talent in teaching arises in the professorial ranks all too rarely, and I have no doubt that every former student will mourn his loss.

Bettie Lu Lancaster

609w ago

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Bettie Lu Lancaster,

Fayetteville, Arkansas

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