AKRON—Charles Robert (Bob) Samples, who helped found two Ohio rubber industry firms, died June 16. He was 84.
Samples fulfilled a lifelong dream by establishing Akron Rubber Development Laboratory Inc. in 1962. Akron-based ARDL is an international laboratory with a work force of more than 80 that handles rubber and plastics testing, development and problem solving services to all facets of the rubber and plastic industries.
In 1972, Samples spun off another company, Polymerics Inc., a custom rubber mixing, dispersions, chemical blends and compound development firm with locations in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Kent, Ohio. It has a work force of 60.
“Bob was a towering figure in our family and to many in the rubber and plastics industry,” said Tim Samples, Bob Samples grandson and current sales manager at Polymerics. “The impression he left will be felt for a long time, and his legacy is one of kindness and hard work.”
Bob Samples son, also named Tim, serves as the CEO of Polymerics.
Samples was a longtime member of the ACS Rubber Division. He was an avid boater and scuba diver.
Samples is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Debbie Coffee and Susie Adaska; sons, Tim, Wally, Dusty and Toby Samples; step-daughters, Mary Stough, Melinda Koch and Cindy Maruna; and several grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater East Ohio Area Chapter, 70 West Streetsboro St., Suite 201, Hudson, OH 44236; or to Summa Health System, Hospice of Summa, P.O. Box 2090, Akron, OH 44398.