Lufkin Industries has announced that Paul Perez, vice president and secretary, passed away July 12 at Memorial Health Systems of East Texas in Lufkin, Texas.  

"Paul Perez has been a valuable member of the Lufkin team for nearly two decades," said President and Chief Executive Officer, John "Jay" Glick. "His contributions have touched virtually every aspect of the company's business during that time. In addition, Paul's work in the community has also had a positive impact on the lives of many people in this area. We lost a dear friend, a colleague and mentor. He will be missed."

Perez began his career with Lufkin Industries in July of 1993 as the company's director of human resources.  He was promoted to vice president in 1996, and served as vice president, general counsel and secretary from 1999 until May of 2011 when he stepped down as general counsel as part of his anticipated retirement later in 2011.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, he was an active member of the community and was currently serving on the board of Memorial Health Systems of East Texas and had previously served as a trustee of Angelina Community College; president of the board of trustees of Stubblefield Learning Center; a board member of Lufkin Adult Learning Center; and as a trustee of the Kurth Memorial Library.