Flooring retailer, Joseph E. Marron, has passed away at the age of 82.

Known to many as "Red," Marron joined the industry in 1963. At the age of 45, he became president of the Western Floor Covering Association. The following year, he became chairman of the association's board.

“Red’s professional dedication, leadership and positive attitude are the things that we will miss the most about him,” said Tom Jennings, vice president, professional development, World Floor Covering Association (WFCA). “Red serves as an amazing example of a professional who truly had it all—the balance of a highly successful professional life and the ‘sun, moon and the stars’ when he partook in his favorite past time. We will miss you, Red.”

When he was not working, Marron was an avid flying enthusiast. His hobby began in 1957 and he bought his first airplane in 1958. From then on he was involved in aviation and hot air ballooning. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) as well as the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). In 1995 he co-organized an RV Fly-In bringing it to Las Cruces, N.M., and then to Santa Teresa, N.M.

In addition to his dedicated years in the flooring business, Marron served with distinction in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

Following his career in flooring, Marron retired in Mimbres, N.M.

Marron is survived by his daughter, Amy Marron Rakoczy and her husband, Joe, of Colleyville, Texas. He is also survived by his brother, Mike Marron and his wife, Bonnie.

A tribute wall for Marron can be found at lucasfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Joseph-E-Red-Marron/#!/TributeWall.