Former Valley Western Distributors principal and Vice President of Sales Ernie Stewart died on Nov. 15 at the age of 92.

Stewart served Valley Western Distributors from 1946 until his retirement in the late ‘80s.

Prior to his career in the floor covering industry, he achieved fame in professional baseball. Stewart was an American League umpire from 1941 to 1946.

Stewart was highly respected throughout the floor covering industry as a salesperson and mentor.