Fred W. Taggart, 86, founder of manufacturers rep firm The Taggart Co., predecessor of Taggart-Knight Group LLC, died June 11 at his home. He attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy as a cadet midshipman and served in the Atlantic and Mediterranean during World War II. He was a licensed plumber and a member of Plumbers Local 98 for 65 years.

He began his career in sales in 1958, which culminated in the starting of his own manufacturers rep firm, The Taggart Co., in 1974. In 2003 The Taggart Co. merged with Knight Sales, which was founded in 1975. Both firms had crafted a legacy in the specifying and wholesale communities. The combined company was named Taggart-Knight Group LLC, and is based in Farmington Hills, MI. Through the years, Fred Taggart supported the industry as a member of numerous trade associations.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, June Taggart, four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The funeral is Wednesday, June 16, and Taggart-Knight Group will be closed that day. For visitation and funeral information and the online obituary,  read here.