Edmond O. Dunahoo, a highly regarded figure in the flooring industry who founded the distribution company Tri-West Ltd., died Sept. 23 at age 78. In addition to establishing one of the top distributors in the western United States, he was the owner/president of several companies including Bay Beverage, Okaw Industries and Fiber Science.

Born and raised in Covina, Calif., Edmond "Ed" Dunahoo graduated from Covina High School before serving his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He graduated from the University of La Verne, where he later served as a trustee. He was a longtime resident of Long Beach and Los Alamitos, Friends and associates say he will be remembered for his wonderful friendship, joyful spirit, generosity and hard work. He is survived by his wife, Jean; daughters, Lynne Dunahoo Wheeler, Katie Dunahoo-Klein, Patsy Muller and Carla Benfit; brother, Van Dunahoo; ten grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial mass was held at St. Hedwig Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

Alzheimer's Association
800-272-3900

or

University of La Verne
909-392-2740.