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Louis F. Erb
Age 75, an executive for many years with Wilmington-based Hercules Inc., died peacefully this Thursday, July 25, 2013 at Foulk Manor South nursing home.
Lou, as he was known to friends and family, was born and raised in Louisville, KY, graduating in 1960 from the University of Louisville with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. He then served honorably in the United States Marine Corps for three years, rising to rank of captain while posted in the U.S, Far East and Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Lou was an Eagle Scout with a Bronze Palm.
He joined Hercules, a chemical company that was long based in Wilmington, immediately after his military service, focusing on plastics research and development. In 1972, he moved to Charlotte, N.C., with his growing family, taking responsibility for all plastics sales in much of the South.
In 1976, Lou returned to Wilmington to head up the company's Plastics Technical Center, and within three years was promoted to manager of the Thermoplastics Technology Division, overseeing three labs staffed with 90 scientists and technicians.
Recognizing Lou's leadership abilities and versatility, Hercules sent him to Brazil in 1981 to head up the company's efforts in the international plastics market there. With a growing fluency in Portuguese aiding his efforts, Lou served as president of Hercules do Brasil in Sao Paulo, managing production of chemicals that were key in the manufacture of numerous products. At the same time he was general manager for South American operations.
Returning to Delaware in 1991 with his Brazilian-born bride, Iara, Lou served as product and planning director for the Liquid Molding Resin unit, and in 1992 was named business director of the company's new Structon Liquid Resin Systems effort.
He retired to his Newark home in 1994, enjoying his passion of hunting, arrow-head collecting and the company of his wife, family and friends for nearly 20 happy years. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, four daughters, their spouses, three grandchildren, his sister and brother-in-law as well as his niece and her family.
The family is grateful to Foulk Manor South and Vitas Hospice for the care Lou received over the past three years.
Services will be private.
For online condolences, please visit
CHANDLER FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY
chandlerfuneralhome.com
(302)478-7100
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
We first met Lou and his parents on the eve of his wedding to my sister in Short Hills, NJ in 1962, and soon after we began to form friendships with him that flourished for nearly two decades and ended only with his death.The four of us, and our children, enjoyed wonderful times together at family reunions and visits back and forth over the years.Lou kept the refrigerator full of fresh crabs, and we laughed so hard we almost cried to watch nighttime roller skating in the basement. Our sons, Pete and Greg, loved their Uncle Lou~he understood the activities boys enjoy, and always made sure they had a good time when they were with him. He was wonderful company, with a smile and a laugh as big as tomorrow. R.I.P., Lou.
Peter and Grace Hartdegen
July 30, 2013
Please accept my condolences. When I joined Hercules in the late 60s at the Parlin plant, Lou became my boss. He was always very professional. I attribute my passion for success as a professional to him. He tried to make sure that as a minority that I was treated with respect. May he rest in peace.
Clarence Martin
July 28, 2013
Dear Iara,
I was privileged to know Lou as a poker club participant. HIs favorite game was seven card stud, which he chose most of the time. He was a fine man--and a good poker player. I never knew he was a fellow Eagle Scout. He certainly was a man of many accomplishments. Neuza and I send our condolences. We know you will miss him.
Que ele fice en paix.
Don Morgan
Donald Morgan
July 28, 2013
Lou and I have been friends since 1955, our freshman year at the University of Louisville. We were both there on NROTC scholarships. We lost touch after graduation and reunited in 1966 after we both were out of the service. While never living closer to each other than Johnstown, PA to Wilmington, our families visited each other a few times every year. He and I spent time at deer camp in Pennsylvania every year when he was living in the U. S. until his declining health no longer made it possible. I've missed his companionship over the past several years but will always cherish our many years of friendship.
Bill Galloway
Bill Galloway
July 27, 2013
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