OBITUARIES
Herbert “Larry” Wallace, 74, former president of D&C Plumbing & Heating, a southeastern Michigan wholesaler, died Feb. 25 in Hamburg, MI. He joined the wholesale firm in 1962 as a counterman after spending four years in the U.S. Navy and another three years working for the Nelson Co. In 1972 he became D&C's first full-time purchasing agent, creating the department and setting many of the company's standards and policies that are still in use today, the company said. He was named president in 1979 after Don Damon's death, and oversaw the company's growth coming out of the early 1980s recession. Upon Bob Carpenter's retirement in 1986, Wallace succeeded him as executive secretary/treasurer. During his 35 years at D&C he served in many different capacities and was one of its principal building blocks, the company said. Memorial donations can be made to the Hamburg Township Library, 10411 Merrill Rd., P.O. Box 247, Hamburg, MI 48139 or the Hamburg Township Fire Dept., 3666 E. M-36, P.O. Box 389, Hamburg Township, MI 48139.
James L. (Jim) Hayes, a 50-year veteran with Coburn Supply Co., Beaumont, TX, who retired in 1987, died March 1 after a brief illness. He joined the company as a warehouseman when Coburn Supply was only three years old and advanced through the ranks to become senior vice president and vice chairman of the board. He was well known in the plumbing and air conditioning industries and was a member of, as well as an officer of, numerous trade organizations.
Terry Allen Bihun. A. O. Smith Water Products Co. recently announced the death of Terry Bihun, vice president of business development and national accounts, who passed away Nov. 1, 2005 at age 64. Bihun was a highly visible and widely respected figure in the plumbing industry. He joined State Industries in 1977 and spent many years as State's northeastern region sales manager before advancing to the position of vice president - sales. While at A. O. Smith, he maintained current wholesale plumbing customers, explored additional wholesale plumbing business opportunities, and oversaw the manufactured housing division, as well as the company's national account program and the builder program. “He was a leading authority in the water heater industry, a man with tremendous enthusiasm for life, and someone who truly loved working with and helping others,” Ajita Rajendra, president, A. O. Smith Water Products Co., said in a statement. “His legacy is one of determination, hard work and friendship that will remain with us forever.” Bill Hargette, senior vice president of sourcing for Ferguson Enterprises, Newport News, VA, said in a statement, “The plumbing business just isn't going to be as much fun without Terry. He was my best friend, and a friend to everyone he met, including his competitors.”
Kyle Talbot, age 21, oldest son of Todd Talbot, president of shower product manufacturer Alsons Corp., died in March. A memorial service was held in Northville, MI. Memorial donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse.
James L. (Jim) Hayes, a 50-year veteran with Coburn Supply Co., Beaumont, TX, who retired in 1987, died March 1 after a brief illness. He joined the company as a warehouseman when Coburn Supply was only three years old and advanced through the ranks to become senior vice president and vice chairman of the board. He was well known in the plumbing and air conditioning industries and was a member of, as well as an officer of, numerous trade organizations.
Kyle Talbot, age 21, oldest son of Todd Talbot, president of shower product manufacturer Alsons Corp., died in March. A memorial service was held in Northville, MI. Memorial donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse.
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