Marion Clyde Day

Marion Clyde Day, 95, died at THE CROSSING at Clarity Hospice at 4:30pm, December 11, 2022, from metapneumonia virus.  Clyde was born in Malvern, Arkansas, and was raised in his early years by his grandparents in Warren.  Later he lived with his father, Clyde Day Sr, his stepmother Myrtice and his sisters Myrtice Suzanne Boal and Petra Irene Bray, in Arizona and California. Clyde attended Manual Arts High School where he discovered his love and talent for running “the mile” which stayed with him his entire life.  He could be found on the track or in the gym well into his 80s. During WWII Clyde served in the navy.  After his discharge he attended San Jose State where he studied chemistry and ran on the track team.  He married Mary Margaret Lange and together they moved to Ames Iowa where Clyde got a PhD in nuclear chemistry.  In 1955 the Days moved to Baton Rouge where Clyde became chemistry professor at LSU.  Clyde and Mary had three children: Peter Scott Day, Stephen Paul Day and David Matthias Day.  They were very active in the Lutheran chapel on the LSU Campus. Clyde had an active research program in inorganic chemistry at LSU.  He is probably best known to the chemistry community as the author of the pioneering textbook, Theoretical Inorganic Chemistry, which he co-authored with Joel Selbin. This text was widely adopted and translated for international usage. He was a popular presenter at international conferences.  For about 10 years he led a National Science Foundation Summer Science Training Program at LSU for high-achieving high school students.  It was unique as it included exposure to the arts, literature and philosophical debate, as well as science. Following his marriage to artist Van Wade in 1976 and his retirement from LSU, he received two Fulbright Fellowships to teach in Kenya and Turkey.  He and Van travelled many places together. Clyde was a man of many interests and talents.  He was an avid fisherman, a gardener, and an excellent cabinet maker. He starred on Buckskin Bill’s tv program as Uncle Doctor Clyde doing chemistry experiments for youngsters. The thing he probably loved doing the most was camping and backpacking with family and friends in remote areas of Canada and Baja Mexico. The man was in love with opera and would go to one any time he got a chance. Clyde is survived by his wife of 45 years, Van Wade-Day, his sons Stephen (Sibylle) David, grandson Orion, and his sister Petra Bray (George). There will be a celebration later.  Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.