Dr. Christopher Thomas Phelps, 73, of Ormond Beach, Fl. passed away on Thursday, Feb. 18th. He was born in Jamestown, NY on March 14, 1942 to Malcolm and Ruth Phelps. He received his early education at Jamestown High School after which he continued his educational pursuits by completing his Bachelors degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY in 1964, and a Masters degree at State University of New York, Fredonia in 1967. In 1973 Chris earned his Ph.D at SUNY Albany under the guidance of his esteemed mentor, Dr. Bernard Vonnegut.

He is predeceased by a stepson, Frank Adriance, and a stepgrandson, Shayne Laidler.

He is survived by his wife, loving and devoted companion of 36 years, Norma Phelps. Other survivors include a stepdaughter, Emily Laidler (Roemell), Port Orange, Fl; stepgrandchildren, Briana Laidler, Port Orange, Fl, Zaccory Adriance, Deland, Fl., Kylah and Xander Adriance, Meyersdale, Pa; brothers, Alan Phelps (Sandy), Westerville, Ohio, Stephen Phelps (Carol), Laurens, NY, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Chris began his teaching career at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY in his early 20's. He loved intellectual challenges and he was persistent in his quest to fully understand each detail. He was particularly interested in atmospheric physics and meteorology and he frequently participated in lightning research; his area of specialty. His adventures in lightning research sent him to many far away places and he developed his lifelong love of travel along the way. Early in his career Chris spent time working for Shell Oil Co. examining electrical fields in the holds of oil tankers. He often recalled the memorable event of sailing through the Straits of Gibraltar during one such project. Following the completion of his Doctorate in 1976 he traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa for a period of two years to participate in extensive lightning research with ESKOM (South African Power Utility Co.). He moved to Daytona Beach, Fl. in 1979 to teach physics at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Chris enjoyed a sabbatical year of teaching at the University of the Virgin Islands in 1994 and he completed several years of teaching at Daytona State College. He loved working with his students and always made time to provide extra help for them to facilitate their understanding of complex concepts.

Chris belonged to the American Geophysical Union. He published numerous research papers throughout his career. His work in triggered lightning continues to be cited in current research literature.

He always looked forward to traveling throughout the Caribbean region each summer. He delighted in searching out exotic, little known destinations with perfect sandy beaches and great food. Chris was a determined libertarian. He was courageous in pursuing his dreams and he was active in championing causes in which he strongly believed.

Chris is greatly missed by family and friends who fondly recall cherished memories of his magnificent sense of humor, superior knowledge of how things work and how to fix them, his overall zest for life, love of travel and new adventures, and his awareness and pursuit of individual rights and basic fairness. His youngest brother remembers that Chris served as a great role model in terms of studying hard but also in having a good time in life. That tone and guidance provided a sense of family and brotherly love that was always there despite being so many miles apart from each other.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that a donation may be made in his name to the charity of your choice, First United Methodist Church Caregiver's Day Out Program, 336 S. Halifax Dr., Ormond Beach, or Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, Fl. 32129.

A celebration of his life may be planned in the future. Final arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.