Frank Lamar Setliff

Dr. Frank Lamar Setliff, University of Arkansas at Little Rock Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, passed away July 31 from complications arising from cancer. He was born September 21, 1938 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the son of the late Frank and Anna Setliff. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his son, Lt. Col. Chris Setliff (Tawni) and granddaughters, Ashlyn and Miranda of Fredricksburg, Virginia; his daughter, Cathy Dawson (Stephen) and granddaughter, Elizabeth and grandson, Andrew of Little Rock; his brother-in-law, Dr. James Carver (Doris) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and brother-in-law, Dr. Jimmie Valentine (Carrie) of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and also by nieces, nephews, and many friends. Dr. Setliff attended the public schools of Lake Charles, and graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1956, where he was part of the 1955 state championship basketball team. He earned a BS in Chemistry (cum laude) from McNeese State University in 1960, and MS (1962) and Ph.D. (1966) degrees in Chemistry from Tulane University. He married Carolyn Lela Carver August 4, 1962, and this week marked their 49th wedding anniversary. A distinguished graduate from ROTC, he served six years in the US Army Reserves, including two years active duty as a Project Officer in the Chemical Corps Combat Developments Command at Fort McClelland, Alabama. He joined UALR (then LRU) in August 1966 and retired from full-time teaching in May 2001 after 35 years of service, but continued as a part-time lecturer for eight additional years. He played an active part in helping UALR through the formative years of the 1970s as the institution established its unique identity as an urban institution. His teaching was in the area of organic chemistry, and he was privileged to have taught and inspired more than ten thousand students, many of whom later received advanced degrees in chemistry or health-related fields. Many local physicians and pharmacists would attest to the rigors of Professor Setliff's courses, but also claim that from him they learned the self-discipline required to succeed in medical or pharmacy school. He was honored with the Outstanding Teacher Award in the College of Sciences in 1990. In his time at UALR, he conducted research in the area of organic chemistry and authored or co-authored 40 technical articles. Most of his undergraduate research students later pursued higher degrees in chemistry, medicine, and pharmacology. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, the Arkansas Academy of Sciences, and is listed in the Outstanding Educators of America and American Men and Women of Science. Lamar was a member of Fellowship Bible Church, where he served as a choir member, usher, and community group leader. He was active in the Diamond State Chorus for many years and enjoyed singing in several barbershop quartets, as well as being an avid lifelong Razorbacks fan. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Lamar actively participated in the activities of his children and grandchildren, including sports, dance, and piano events. His creativity, love, and humor gave his children and grandchildren many happy memories. His Godly leadership as a husband and father provided a strong role model to his children and others whose lives he touched. Visitation for the family will be at Roller-Chenal from 6-8 pm on August 4, and a memorial service will be held at Fellowship Bible Church at 10 a.m., August 5. Interment will be at Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery in North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Frank Lamar Setliff Memorial Fund, c/o Office of Development, UALR 2801 S. University, 72204. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.