Pinegar Chevrolet founder dies

Pinegar Chevrolet Inc. founder Ed Pinegar died May 23.

Pinegar, 74, died from complications from a stroke, according to his daughter Abbi Pinegar-Rose, who said the stroke occurred in October 2019. She said her father was president and owner of Pinegar Chevrolet Inc. at the time of his death.

"The dealerships and all his businesses will stay family businesses and will continue to be run by the family," she said via email.

Pinegar-Rose could not be reached for follow-up by deadline on who would take on the president role.

An obituary provided by Pinegar-Rose indicates her father founded Pinegar Chevrolet in 1979 in Republic and Pinegar Chevrolet Buick GMC of Branson in 1988. He also was a breeder and seller of Limousin cattle.

A private family service is scheduled to be held this week, followed by a public celebration of life and funeral service to be announced at a later date.

“The family appreciates all the kind thoughts and prayers from everyone," a statement provided by Pinegar-Rose reads. "He meant a lot to many people."

Missouri State University, Springfield Mayor Ken McClure and U.S. Sen Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, were among organizations and individuals who publicly sent condolences to the family.

At MSU, Pinegar was a longtime supporter and donor. He made a major gift with his wife, Carol, in the mid-2000s that allowed the university to begin Phase II renovations of its horse arena at the William H. Darr Agricultural Center. Pinegar was a graduate of the university and a member of the MSU Board of Governors and Foundation Board of Directors, according to a news release.

In a statement, Blunt called Pinegar "a great friend."

"He loved his family, his church and his community. He was incredibly successful in all those things and in his business," Blunt said. "As successful as he was, he never forgot where he was from."

McClure said in a statement that he has a "deep appreciation for all that Ed has done to help make the Ozarks a great place to live. He leaves behind a positive legacy."