Coburn C. Metcalf

Coburn Bud Chapman Metcalf completed his earthly life on August 25, 2010 to enjoy everlasting life with the Lord. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Don and Maude Metcalf, sister Mildred Lemponen, and beloved wife, Niola Modelle. A lifelong resident of Toledo, Bud was born in1918 and graduated from Jesup W. Scott High School in 1936. He attended Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio on a wrestling scholarship obtaining a degree in civil engineering in 1940. After graduating, he was employed by ODOT as a field engineer for the Summit St. extension over the Ottawa River, and as a design engineer in the Bowling Green office. Bud enlisted in the Army Air Corps in April of 1942 and was appointed as an Aviation Cadet and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in September. He was assigned to the 317th Troop Carrier Group as engineering officer for the 40th Troop Carrier Squadron during transition training at Louisville Ky. While in Louisville, he married his sweetheart Niola Modelle Holt. He served in the Fifth Air Force during WW II stationed in the Pacific Theater. He continued his service to his country after the war in the Air Force Reserves retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1978. After release from active military duty, Bud joined Jones & Henry Engineers, Ltd. of Toledo. His distinguished career in civil engineering, both as a design engineer, and as an engineering manager resulted in numerous awards and citations. Bud served as Chairman of the firm from 1968 until his retirement in 1983. As Chairman he successfully advanced and promoted excellence in engineering and positioned the firm for future growth. Throughout his life, Bud contributed not just to the profession of engineering, but also to the education of others. He was a faithful alumnus to Ohio Northern and continued to support his alma mater throughout his life. Both he and his wife, Modelle, were also devoted to her alma mater, Taylor University, and its mission of Christian higher education. Additionally, while Chairman at Jones & Henry Ltd., the firm established a scholarship fund for minority students enrolled in engineering at the University of Toledo. These contributions to engineering and education led to numerous recognitions and opportunities. In 1974 Bud was a delegate for the American Society of Civil Engineers on a Goodwill People to People tour established under President Dwight Eisenhower. The tour members visited engineers in four European countries and three from the former Soviet Union. In 1979, Bud was recognized by Ohio Northern with his induction into Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Fraternity, as an Eminent Engineer. In 1983, he was inducted into the Scott Alumni Association Hall of Fame for outstanding business and professional achievements. Also in 1983, he was named Outstanding Civil Engineer of the Year. Letters of support from his peers acknowledged his contributions to engineering most notably for his promotion of alternative and innovative wastewater treatment plant designs. He is the recipient of Life Memberships in The American Public Works Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Water Environment Federation. Other memberships included The Toledo, Ohio, and National Society of Professional Engineers, The American Water Works Association, and the American Institute of Consulting Engineers. Both Bud and his wife were inducted into the Taylor University Presidents Counsel of 100, and the Ohio Northern University Lehr Society. To his family, his most notable contributions were his strength of character, values that remained consistent and true under all circumstances, and complete devotion to those he loved. Bud and his wife attended Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches during their 65years of marriage and raised their family with a solid faith. Left to cherish his memory and the heritage he leaves are his children, Beverly James Nelson, Thomas Janice Metcalf, JoAnne Lawrence Powell, nine grandchildren, Kimberly, Kristen, Eric, Elayne, Jake, Brad, Erin, Amanda, Sara, and 11 great-granddaughters. Friends may call at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd. on Friday from 4-8:00pm where services will be held Saturday at 10:30am. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Coburn & Niola Modelle Metcalf Endowed Scholarship at Taylor University, 236 West Reade, Upland, Indiana 46989. or Cherry Street Mission, 105 17th Street, Toledo, OH 43604. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.