February 18, 1942 ~ February 6, 2021
Woodrow ‘Woody’ Wilson Chew II, a resident of Baton Rouge died peacefully at the Baton Rouge General Bluebonnet on Saturday, February 6, after a brief illness. He was 78. Born in Ruston, Louisiana, Woody moved to Baton Rouge in 1966 to work as an engineer for Dow Chemical. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in chemical engineering from Louisiana Tech and was a loyal Bulldog fan. He was elected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities and Omicron Delta Kappa. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Working 35 years for Dow, Woody especially loved to mentor and promote young colleagues.
Survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan Mays Chew, son Joel Elliott Chew, daughter Ellen Elizabeth Chew, granddaughter Hailey Dawn Chew, grandson Hayden Dallas Chew, and his beloved dog Scout, Woody was preceded in death by his father W.W. Chew and his mother Ellen Black Chew.
In retirement he pursued a wide range of hobbies and interests including woodworking, drawing and sculpture, cooking, travel, and reading about all things science, history and archeology. For many years he skied with Dow friends in Brighton, Utah. He particularly loved researching family genealogy. Woody enjoyed the Baton Rouge Symphony, jazz concerts, opera, live local theater, as well as Broadway productions. He volunteered as a docent at the Rural Life Museum and was active in Together Baton Rouge as long as his health permitted. Woody was known for his gregarious nature, devotion to his children and grandchildren, and love of people.
A member of the Rings ‘n Ivy Sunday School class, he was an active member of First United Methodist Church. A private service will be conducted by the Reverend Greg Toney on Friday, February 12, at 3:00 p.m. followed by inurnment in the First United Methodist Church Columbarium.
The family requests memorials be sent to the Music Ministry of First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge and the Baton Rouge Food Bank.
Remembrances may be left at www.sealefuneral.com
4 comments
Nancy Beasley Carpenter
March 1, 2022 at 12:29 am
Susie, am trying so hard to find you. So sorry about the loss of your wonderful husband, at least a year ago. I do so hope you have found some peace. You know that loss is eternal but so is love, and maybe that is comforting. My home number: 318-340-1651. Can’t find a number for you. If you see this please give me a call
Vicki
February 15, 2021 at 9:27 pm
To a favorite cousin that always brought life and laughter to every occasion. (Apples don’t fall far from the tree, do they!) While this is our loss, it is heaven’s gain. You will be missed, yet not forgotten. God speed. <3
Joel West
February 13, 2021 at 11:03 pm
The world is missing a fantastic person. Woody was my guide and supporter when I went to work at Dow at same plant with Woody at in 1968. The word “mentor” was not used much in those days but he was the best. Without consciously trying I found myself following his good examples during my career and life. A few engineers have actually used the mentor word to describe me even though I don’t think I could compare to Woody.
Susie Chew
February 21, 2021 at 12:59 am
Thank you, sweet Vicki. Woody loved his cousins like siblings.