PMP pays homage to those the industry lost in 2025

Joe Barlok (d. 2025) was a respected pest management professional and Vice President of Service at RJM Pest Services in New York City. He passed away in late November. Barlok built a career marked by relentless hard work, leadership and a commitment to high-quality service, starting in pest control at age 20 and eventually leading service teams in major markets. Colleagues remembered him as a hands-on leader who developed others and set high standards for excellence, embodying the ethos of the industry’s “Fantastic Few.” He was also a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Norman O. Besheer (1928–2024) was a U.S. Marine veteran, attorney and longtime leader of Gunter Pest Management in Kansas City. After serving aboard the USS Atlanta and later retiring as a Marine Corps Major, he practiced law before joining and expanding his family’s pest-control business. A past president of the Kansas Pest Control Association and Hall of Fame inductee, he remained active in the company well into his 90s. Known for his integrity and devotion to family, he leaves a multigenerational legacy carried on by his children and grandchildren.

Ken Davis (1955–2025) was a respected pest-management leader whose 45-year career left a lasting mark on the industry. Beginning with Terminix in 1979, he advanced from technician to regional manager and later led the influential ASPIRE training program, mentoring countless professionals. After a brief retirement, he joined Redd Pest Solutions in 2018, where he was cherished as part of the family. A Board-Certified Entomologist and Mississippi Pest Control Association Hall of Fame inductee, Davis was known for his steady leadership, generosity and passion for developing others — a legacy carried on by those he trained and inspired.

Richard Deering (1947–2025) was a pioneering entrepreneur and a much-respected member of the pest-management community. Beginning his career as a farmer and landscaping operator, he later expanded into pest control — and in 1990, founded ServicePro to build tailored business-software solutions for lawn-care operators and pest-management professionals. Under his leadership, ServicePro became a widely used platform for scheduling, invoicing and routing. In recognition of his innovation and impact, he was inducted into the PMP Hall of Fame (class of 2022). He passed away unexpectedly on July 10, 2025, at the age of 77 and is survived by his wife Brenda, their three children and a growing extended family.

Thomas “Tom” Forshaw III (1946–2025) was a longtime leader of Forshaw, the family-owned distributor that supported pest-control companies across the country. After serving in the U.S. Army and earning a degree in applied mathematics, he helped guide and expand the company with a steady hand and entrepreneurial spirit. Remembered for his integrity, quiet leadership and commitment to service, Forshaw leaves behind a business legacy that continues to support the industry he cared for deeply.

Paul Hardy (1942–2025) was a towering figure in pest management whose nearly 60-year career helped modernize the industry. Starting as a termite technician in 1961, he rose through Orkin’s ranks to become corporate technical director, pioneering influential treatment approaches such as Perimeter Defense Service and shaping national training standards. A 2005 PMP Hall of Fame inductee, Hardy was known for his expertise, mentorship and lifelong commitment to elevating the profession.

Rob Lewis (d. 2025) was a valued member of the Arrow Exterminators team, known for his upbeat spirit, professionalism and dedication to helping others grow in the field. After his family business, Lewis-Cobb Exterminating, merged into Arrow, he became an important part of the company’s Florida training team. Remembered for always greeting others with a smile, Lewis leaves behind a legacy of kindness and commitment to the pest-management community.

Dr. C. Douglass Mampe (1934–2025) was a nationally respected entomologist whose leadership and technical expertise helped shape modern pest-management standards. A former NPMA technical director and longtime Pest Management Professional columnist and technical editor, he educated generations of professionals through his clear, practical guidance. A PMP Hall of Fame inductee, Mampe is remembered for his sharp mind, generous mentorship and lasting contributions to industry knowledge and professionalism.

Jim Ogle (1936–2025) was a longtime leader of Lloyd Pest Control and a respected voice in the industry. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he joined his family’s company in 1960 and became president in 1975, guiding its growth into a multi-branch operation and helping shape its recognizable brand. Active in state and national associations, he championed professionalism and education throughout his career. His legacy endures through the Jim Ogle Endowed Scholarship Program, which supports future pest-management professionals.

Edward J. “Ed” Sheehan (1960–2025) was the founder of Checkmate Exterminators and a beloved voice in the industry through his co-hosting of the popular podcast Colony Confidential. Known for his humor, honesty and deep respect for the trade, he built a sense of community among pest-management professionals and mentored many entering the field. His legacy is one of connection, authenticity and an unwavering dedication to elevating the profession.

Richard “Dick” Sameth (1937–2025) was a third-generation pest-management pioneer and longtime leader at Western Pest Services. He devoted some 50 years to growing the company into one of the largest pest-control firms in the U.S., serving as vice president and guiding Western through significant industry changes. As president of the National Pest Management Association (1996–1997), he worked to shape industry policy and regulation in ways that benefited both companies and public health. Inducted into thePMPHall of Fame (Class of 2016), Sameth was also beloved for his commitment to community service, family and mentorship — a legacy carried forward by those he inspired.