News Summary
Victor Alfred Sahm, Jr., a prominent figure in Dallas, passed away at the age of 91. He leaves behind a rich legacy in business and a deep commitment to family and community. A Marine veteran and entrepreneur, Sahm co-founded Dura-Plas, Inc., revolutionizing the cattle feeding industry. His vibrant personal life included a passion for sports and travel. Vic was a dedicated family man, cherished by his wife, children, and grandchildren. A Celebratory Life ceremony will honor his memory, with contributions directed to hospice care in his name.
Dallas, Texas – Victor Alfred Sahm, Jr. (Vic) passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by his family. He left behind a lasting legacy through his dedication to family, innovation in the business world, and commitment to helping others.
Born on October 23, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, Vic grew up in a modest home in a lower-income neighborhood, lending a hand to his father in the construction of their family home. He attended public schools and later served honorably in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
Following his military service, Vic overcame financial challenges to pursue higher education. He enrolled at Trinity University using the GI Bill, where he earned a business degree that laid the foundation for his career. After graduating, he began his professional journey with Union Carbide, which later took him to Atlanta, Georgia, where he met Bobbi Anne Meeler. After a brief courtship, they married, and together they welcomed two children, daughter Sharon Michelle and son Victor Alfred (Beaude) Sahm III.
In the late 1960s, Vic’s entrepreneurial spirit came to life while he was making sales calls; he identified an opportunity for innovation in the cattle feeding industry. Inspired by the sight of cattle feeding from a metal container, he envisioned a better product made from plastic. With the assistance of a business contact, Mike Goldfarb, Vic co-founded Dura-Plas, Inc. This company, based in Dallas, has successfully operated for over 55 years, featuring more than 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and distribution space and exporting products to over 100 countries worldwide.
By the early 1980s, Vic assumed full ownership of Dura-Plas, which continues to thrive under the leadership of his son Beaude, marking a significant milestone as the third generation in the family business.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Vic was known for his vibrant personal life. He shared a unique bond with his brother, Douglas Wayne Sahm, an internationally acclaimed musician, as both were honored in simultaneous exhibits at the Texas State Museum for their respective contributions to their fields. An avid sportsman, Vic devoted his leisure time to tennis, golf, cycling, hiking, and daily workouts. His adventurous spirit led him to all seven continents and many remote destinations, such as Siberia, Antarctica, Africa, Indonesia, the Amazon, and Mount Everest, often accompanied by Beaude.
Family was a central aspect of Vic’s life. He fondly embraced the role of “Papa” to his seven grandchildren and cherished moments spent with his wife Bobbi at their ranch near Kerrville, Texas, and their residence in Palm Desert, California. Vic was dedicated to instilling values of compassion and charity in his children and grandchildren, evidenced by his commitment to helping those in need.
Vic is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Bobbi; daughter Sharon Charlton and her husband Scott; and son Beaude Sahm and his wife Kristy. His grandchildren include Kaylee Hueskin (Bill), Allie, Andrew, Matthew, Harrison, Harper, and Avery. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother. The Sahm family expressed deep gratitude for the support from his caregiver, Cheri Thompson.
A Celebration of Life ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 AM on August 5 at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Dallas, with a reception to follow at Northwood Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to T. Boone Pickens Hospice & Palliative Center to honor Vic’s commitment to helping others in need.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Victor Alfred Sahm, Jr.
- Wikipedia: Korean War
- Dignity Memorial: Celebration of Life
- Google Search: entrepreneurship in the cattle feeding industry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
