Chiang-Hai Kuo passed away at Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville on Sunday, June 20, 2021.
Hai was preceded in death by his wife, Ching-Fei Kuo; parents, Fu and Han-Shiau Kuo; and a younger brother, Shing-Jiang Kuo.
He is survived by two children: Nancy Griffin (Tim) and Ben Kuo (Sharon); four grandchildren: Hannah McCollum (Reece), Jake Griffin (Jo Beth), Madelyn Kuo, and Donovan Kuo; two great grandchildren: Samuel McCollum and Abigail McCollum; younger sisters: Catherine Lin and Judy Chen; and younger brothers: Chiang-Ho Kuo and Chau-Chiang Kuo. Hai leaves innumerable friends and colleagues all over the world who are joining his family in mourning his loss.
He was born in the rural village of Shi Su near Tainan, Taiwan, on February 10, 1936 and graduated from National Taiwan University in Chemical Engineering. He married the love of his life, Ching-Fei, on August 16, 1959. Later, he moved to Texas and received his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston. After working for Shell and NASA, they moved their family to Starkville, Mississippi in 1970 as he joined the faculty at Mississippi State University (MSU). Hai retired from MSU as a Professor Emeritus of Chemical Engineering in June 30, 2000.
Beyond the love and care of his family, Hai was most passionate about research and teaching. He was world renowned in his research including the area of ozonation for the environmental treatment of organic pollutants. Dr. Kuo was legendary for his challenging classes and wise guidance. He taught and mentored countless students who have gone on to teach and mentor globally throughout academia and industry. In addition to his work at MSU he conducted joint research with the Environmental Protection Agency for many years to advance the field of air and waste pollution control.
Hai and Fei were founding and life-long members of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Starkville.
He will be interred in Oddfellows Cemetery in Starkville in a private, family-only service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers or other gifts, all who wish to honor Hai make donations to their favorite church or charity in his name.
