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InDiv founder Forest Lipscomb dies

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International Division Inc. founder Forest Lipscomb Jr. died Feb. 27 at the age of 88.

Lipscomb had been suffering from throat cancer and late last year sold the Springfield-based company, more commonly known as InDiv, to eight employees, with majority shareholder Jose Sala taking over as president.

Lipscomb was known for being a worldwide traveler, often racking up more than 100,000 miles annually until last year, according to his obituary in Springfield News-Leader.

His career began at Lipscomb Grain & Seed Co., where he later was president, and he was a co-founder of So-Lo Markets. He started InDiv in Trinidad, West Indies, in 1958 and incorporated it in the U.S. in 1964. The company exports poultry farming equipment to customers primarily in Mexico, South America and parts of Asia.

Lipscomb's travels took him to Cuba, where he met with Fidel Castro on a presidential trade mission in 1977, according to his obituary. He also was one of the first American businessmen allowed into China when it opened up for trade in 1979.

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce awarded InDiv with the "E" certificate for exports in 1973 and the "E" star award for commerce in 1977.

Visitation will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at First & Calvary Presbyterian Church, 820 E. Cherry.[[In-content Ad]]

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