In Memorium — David Lugar (Oct. 18, 1957-Nov.18, 2016)

It is with great sadness that Butane-Propane News (BPN) marks the passing of long-time industry leader David Leon Lugar — Oct. 18, 1957 – Nov. 18, 2016 — who has died following a courageous battle with illness. David’s lengthy propane industry career included serving as director, NGL marketing,
at Conoco, where he spent 20 years in various positions of increasing responsibility in propane marketing, operations, and supply.

Lugar joined AmeriGas in September 2000 as vice president of supply and logistics, working from an office outside of Houston, Texas. David was active in the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) for many years, including serving as NPGA chairman, 2014-2015. David was a charter member of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), established in 1996, and continued to serve in various officer positions during his time on the council, among them two terms as PERC chairman in 2003 and 2005.

Reflecting on the people who made PERC programs work, Roy Willis, Propane Education & Research Council president and CEO since March 1998, commended Lugar’s industry leadership as chairman of the Council and his commitment to championing issues that advanced industry success. Among Lugar’s many accomplishments, he was instrumental in the launch of the award-winning “Energy Guys” national advertising campaign. As chairman, Lugar helped create the largest marketing budget in PERC’s history. He was also the first and only member of the council to serve as a marketer member (AmeriGas) and a producer member (Conoco). Through PERC’s start-up phase, Lugar was instrumental in advocating the modernization of the industry’s workforce training program.

After a

winter in 2014 brought about severe propane supply and distribution challenges, including dramatic propane price increases, supply shortages, and transportation logistical difficulties, Lugar was instrumental in advancing the Propane Supply and Security Act of 2014. The bipartisan act was introduced by U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio). The comprehensive legislation benefits propane customers directly by increasing market transparency and improving the propane delivery infrastructure. To eliminate future market uncertainty, it mandates weekly inventory data reporting at the state level and at collective storages at market hubs. The Act also increases the authority given to cabinet secretaries to ease regulatory burdens during fuel emergencies. If a sudden price spike or supply shortage occurs, the secretary of energy will lead emergency response efforts to ensure expedited distribution of propane through measures such as exemptions from hours-of-service restrictions, prioritizing propane shipments by rail and in pipelines, and other actions deemed necessary.

As the 2014-2015 chairman of the NPGA board of directors, Lugar addressed those attending the association’s 2015 Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo. “I have the pleasure to announce a very favorable event for the industry, something we’re very proud of,” Lugar told the audience during the PERC Update Session, “Last year at this time, after the winter we’d gone through, one of the questions we kept asking is when is the PERC restriction going to be lifted? We need to get back to talking to our customers. I’m here to say, it is officially lifted. This provision is critical because it allows the industry to use its own resources to talk directly to our customers. When we have harsh winters or unexpected supply challenges, being able to communicate with our customers in a quick and efficient way can mean the difference between a crunch and a crisis,” Lugar added.

Most recently, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of PERC’s Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) eLearning platform, PERC asked various members of the initial project team for their reflections on this important milestone. Lugar, former PERC chairman, responded, “I am proud to have served as PERC Chairman in 2004 when the Council first approved funding for CETP eLearning. It took countless hours of incredibly hard work by industry volunteers and PERC staff to make the program a reality. At that time, there was much opposition by some in the industry who, I am happy to say, have since come around to understand and appreciate its value.”

David Lugar’s leadership and insights were invaluable to NPGA and PERC, and was esteemed by his industry peers for his hard work, committed leadership, industry knowledge, and experience. His eloquence and exemplary temperament will be missed by his colleagues, many of whom became close friends. “I will miss his laugh,” said Joe Rose, president of the Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE). “On behalf of our propane industry community, we all will miss David, and his laugh.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to David’s wife, Lajan, and his family during this difficult time.

David Leon Lugar, 59, of Waller, Texas was surrounded by his family when he went home to be with the Lord on November 18, 2016. David was born October 18, 1957 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Winston and Joy Lugar.

He married Lajan (McConal) Lugar July 2, 1988. Together they displayed Christ and were an example to many. David was a loving husband and father and “the best of the best.” His legacy will continue through his family and friends and many others that were influenced by David.

He was preceded in death by his father, Winston Lugar. He is survived by his mother, Joy Lugar, his wife, Lajan Lugar, his children Kellise McLaurin, Kylie Horn, Kori Lugar, and Kole Lugar; his sister Tanis Cornell, brother Steve Lugar, and nine grandchildren.

A private family burial service will be held. However, the family would like to invite everyone to come celebrate his life. The celebration of life will be held at Community of Faith, Tuesday, November 29, 2016, 11:00 a.m., with a reception immediately following at the church service: Community of Faith, 16124 Becker Rd., Hockley, Texas 77447. You may read David’s obituary, sign the guest book, or send a card at

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Community of Faith Missions Fund in honor of David.