SMC Packaging founder Chuck Bachus dies

Charles "Chuck" Bachus, co-founder of SMC Packaging Group, died July 28 at age 77.

Bachus had battled pancreatic cancer, according to his obituary on the SMC Web site.

Bachus was a veteran of the Korean War and in the early 1970s founded Southern Missouri Containers Inc. with friend Ross Ausburn. The company later changed its name to SMC Packaging Group.

SMC manufactures corrugated packaging, point of purchase displays, protective shipping cartons and ancillary packaging supplies, according to its Web site. The company is based in Springfield, at 3131 E. Division St., and has satellite operations in Kansas City; Conway, Ark.; and Tulsa, Okla. SMC is a past winner of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's Manufacturer of the Year award.

Outside of his work, Bachus was known for his community involvement, according to the obituary. He simultaneously participated on as many as 11 civic boards at a time, and he was named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser by the Association of Fundraising Professionals' local chapter in 1999. He also was a recipient of the Boys and Girls Club Man and Youth Award.

A private family service with military honors will be held Friday morning. A public visitation is scheduled for noon-2 p.m. Friday at Second Baptist Church, 3111 E. Battlefield St.