LONGVIEW, Texas - Marcus P. Eubank, a pioneer in the air conditioning industry and founder of Eubank Manufacturing, passed away June 18. He was 80 years old.

Born in Eldorado, Ark., he and his family relocated to Texas during the Great Depression, where he apprenticed with his father, James Mark Eubank, in the fields of refrigeration theory, electrical application, radio, and television.

Mr. Eubank’s career began after leaving the Navy in 1947. He held many U.S. patents. He began his first company, Appliance Service Center, in 1955, where he first began manufacturing rooftop, commercial, and residential heating and air conditioning systems.

He began Weatherking Corp. in Kilgore, Texas, in 1960. In 1970, Mr. Eubank assisted in the development and design of hydraulic air conditioning systems for heavy equipment application for R.G. Letourneau in Longview. In 1971, Mr. Eubank and his wife, R. Sue Eubank, moved his manufacturing operation to Longview. Together they created the family-owned and -operated air conditioning and heating manufacturing facility, Eubank Manufacturing Enterprises Inc., which developed and manufactured residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems. The company was sold in 2000.

Mr. Eubank is survived by his wife of 60 years, five children, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Publication date: 08/11/2008