W.S. Badcock Corporation sadly announced that board member and former CEO and Board Member, Donald Marks, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2009 after battling cancer.
A proud native of Southern California, Marks was born March 10, 1947. He attended UCLA where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Marks’ career led him to such companies as McDonald's Restaurants, Pepsico, Rent-A-Center, Thorn, Inc. and Badcock.
Founded in 1904, Badcock is a home furniture retailer which has a rich history of welcoming families home. Mr. Marks served as president and CEO of the Corporation from 1998-2008. Marks was instrumental in the development of the “&more” concept which brought the retailer into the 21st Century with a fresh approach to merchandising and unified store design. Even after retirement, he remained a valued advisor to the Corporation by serving on the Board of Directors with distinction.
Marks was very involved in industry affairs. He served on the American Furniture Hall of Fame from 2007-2009 and most recently was recognized as one of the National Home Furniture Association’s (NHFA) Retailer of the Year.
Marks' charitable and community involvement included Ronald McDonald House, United Way and City of Hope, a National Cancer Institute recognized worldwide for its compassionate patient care, innovative science and translational research.
Mr. Marks was also an avid dragster racer, traveling the country to compete in the dragster racing circuit.
Marks is survived by his wife, Teena Marks; children Jamie Marks, Don Marks Jr., Tiffany LaMontagne, Lindsay Videnieks and Wayne Lawrence; and 5 grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the City of Hope or The Hospice Foundation.