Ed Pinegar, founder of Pinegar Chevrolet Buick GMC, dies

SPRINGFIELD — The Missouri State University community mourns the loss of long-time supporter and friend T. Edward Pinegar. He passed away May 23.

Pinegar, founder of Pinegar Chevrolet Buick GMC of Branson, was a graduate of Missouri State, and gave of his time, expertise and resources to the university. He served on the MSU Board of Governors from 1985-1991. He has also been on the MSU Foundation Board of Directors since 1999.

Ed and Carol Pinegar. Ed Pinegar passed away May 23. (Special to Branson Globe)

“I will miss Ed tremendously,” Missouri State President Clif Smart said. “He always supported the university in everything he did and was encouraging to me in challenging times.”

Thanks to a major donation from Pinegar and his wife, Carol, in the mid-2000s, the university was able to begin phase II of renovating the main horse arena at its 100-acre William H. Darr Agricultural Center.

The project added arena seating, office space, bovine and equine handling facilities, a research laboratory, a classroom, stalling for horses and a two-bedroom apartment for graduate student housing.

In honor of the couple’s generous support, the arena was renamed Pinegar Arena after formal approval by the university’s Board of Governors.

“Ed not only supported Missouri State financially, but he gave of his time,” said Brent Dunn, executive director of the Missouri State University Foundation. “He was very passionate about the educational mission and he encouraged others to be involved as well.”

Pinegar opened the doors to the family’s flagship car dealership, Pinegar Chevrolet in Republic, in 1979. The family owned and operated business is still thriving today.

In 2004, Pinegar received Missouri State’s Outstanding Alumni Award for his personal and career success, and contributions to his alma mater.