Dave Crofoot, CEO and owner of Western Associates (asi/358500), died on July 10, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 78.

Born in Wichita, KS, on February 4, 1949, Crofoot was raised in the city of Cedar Point. He attended Kansas State University and served in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in the Philippines during his military service and returned to Cedar Point upon honorable discharge.

Crofoot spent his career at Western Associates, a distributorship his parents started in 1956. It began as a “part-time” business, with the family tabling at trade shows, conventions and fairs. They sold memorabilia at the Kansas Centennial in 1961, and in 1983, they relocated to Marion, KS. That same year, Crofoot married his wife, Jackie Fender.

Crofoot worked on various sides of the business, but his favorite part about his job was getting to meet new people. Those who knew him say he treated his employees like family.

Crofoot assumed the role of CEO of Western Associates when his father, John Crofoot, retired in 1986. He was a top salesperson and a mentor to salespeople across the company.

Shortly before his passing, Crofoot announced he would step down from his role, passing the baton to the next generation of family leadership. His son, Brian Crofoot, assumed the role of president, and President Jim Crofoot (Dave’s brother) was named CEO.

“We are deeply saddened by Dave’s passing, but grateful that he was able to witness Western Associates’ recent growth and help guide the transition to its next generation of leadership,” the company said in a statement.

In addition to his career in promo, Crofoot was active in his community. He helped start Leadership Marion County, a group that helps train future leaders in the area. He also served as the commissioner of the fourth district in Marion County from 2019 until his death. He was an active member of the John McKay American Legion Post 308, the Kansas Livestock Association, the Kansas Motorcycle Sportsman’s Association, the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas, and the Sprockets Motorcycle Club. He also served on the committee of Chingawassa Days, a three-day summer festival in Marion, for 22 years.

Crofoot will be remembered for his generosity and his infectious sense of humor. He and his wife Jackie loved to travel, spend time with family and friends, and attend their grandchildren’s athletic and school events.

Crofoot is survived by his wife, Jackie Crofoot; his children, Brian (Kodi Crofoot), Erin (Eldon Chance) and Shelly (Mike Padgett); his siblings, Pam (Les Byer) and Jim (Joni Crofoot); his grandchildren, Alex (Chase Lookingbill), Camden Padgett, Conner Padgett and Dylan Cooper; and his nieces and nephews, Jesse Bowers, Chris Bowers, Emmy Gayle, Sarah Voss and Andy Crofoot.