Cyril Reed Funk Jr.
About
Cyril Reed Funk Jr. was born Sep 20, 1928 in Richmond to Cyril Reed Sr. and Hazel Marie Jensen Funk. Cyril received a Ph.D. in agronomy from Rutgers University, New Jersey. He is credited as the inventor of the golf turf grass as a professor at Rutgers.
Early Life in Richmond
Korean War
Education
Rutgers University and Turf Grass Work
Hazel Nut Tree Work
Awards
USGA Green Section Award
"In 1961, the USGA established the Green Section Award to honor those persons who deserve special recognition for distinguished service to golf through work with turfgrass. The USGA believes there are many men and women who have made measurable contributions respecting the arena upon which the game of golf is played. Their contributions and service may be evidenced by their achievements over a number of years or by a single act. In continuing to present the Green Section Award, the USGA wishes to identify, celebrate, and hold up for emulation individuals who exemplify outstanding dedication to the game of golf through their work with turfgrass." In 1980, Dr. Funk was gifted this award for his current work in turf grass.
New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame
In 1991, Dr. Funk was entered into the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame. "The results of C. Reed Funk's work can be found from urban lawns to the White House and from Arlington National Cemetery to the Rose Bowl. He is the world-wide leading authority in turf grass breeding. His more than 75 variety releases including eight U.S. Plant Patents for Kentucky Bluegrass varieties, nearly 60 Plant Protection certificates (USDA patent-like protection for sexually reproduced plants) and numerous plant registrations. C. Reed Funk's development intraspecific hybrids of Kentucky Bluegrass led to the development of varieties which are resistant to devastating Bluegrass diseases such as striped smut, leaf rust, crown rot and powdery mildew. Other research led to the breeding of fescues and rye grasses which possess greater resistance to insect, disease and drought, better plant vigor, and wider adaptability to growing conditions. He was the recipient of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture's Distinguished Service Award for Scientific Research, the nation's most prestigious award in agricultural research."
USDA's Agricultural Research Services
Dr. Funk received the Distinguished Service Award for agricultural research from the USDA in 1990.
USU Degree
In 1994, with his success in agriculture and his previous school time at Utah State University, Dr. Funk was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from USU.
Epilouge
Cyril Reed Funk Jr. died Oct 4, 2012 in Murray, Utah. He was buried in the Richmond Cemetery. He is remembered today for his efforts and success in turf grass science. Rutgers University has the C. Reed Funk Endowed Faculty Scholar in Plant Biology and Genetics in his honor.
"An Interview with Rutgers Professor C. Reed Funk, 34th Annual Turf Expo, 2009"
Property of the Rutgers University New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Source
C. Reed Funk Jr. presenting his calf in front of his grandparent's home, the Senator Clarence & Laura Funk Home.
(Colorised) Source
Dr. Funk working at Rutgers University.
(Colorized)
Dr. Funk in a field of experimental turf grass.
Dr. Funk reclined in a field of turf.
"C. Reed Funk, right, a retired professor of plant science at Rutgers University, and his protégé Tom Molnar, an assistant professor at the university, visit one of the university’s research farms to check on the hazelnut trees Molnar is breeding and growing."
Photo by Amanda Brown. Property of THE STAR-LEDGER. Source