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J. Vernon Hinely, 87, was chairman of the board at TOMCO2 Equipment Company. Mr. Hinely got his start in the industry at a young age, going to work with his brother-in-law, Paul Carter, in the oxygen business. He also worked at Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital at one of the first oxygen therapy departments in the country. Mr. Hinely joined the Army in 1943, serving in World War II in New Guinea and the Philippines with the 61st Portable Surgical Hospital and in the occupational forces in Japan. He was awarded the Bronze Star and two oak leaf clusters for his service.

After his discharge in 1946, he returned home to Miami and founded Orlando Oxygen Service with his brother Herbert in 1947. The business was renamed Florida Oxygen Service and was later purchased by Air Liquide, then known as American Cryogenics. In 1962, he founded Florida Carbonic, a manufacturer of liquid CO2 and dry ice. As Carbonic Industries, the company purchased TOMCO2 Equipment Company in 1970 and commenced the manufacture of CO2 storage tanks. Mr. Hinely served as Carbonic Industries’ president and chairman until it was purchased by Airgas in 1997. He continued to serve as chairman of TOMCO2, which was spun off as an independent company in 1993. Jack Toepke, TOMCO2 president, says, “For many years, his vision saw our company grow from a support group to a very successful business. We guide TOMCO2 on values learned from Vernon.”

Mr. Hinely was a leader in the business community and served as president of Orlando Manufacturing Association in 1960. An avid supporter of high school and collegiate athletics, he served as president of the Tangerine Sports Association in 1982-83 and was inducted into the Florida Citrus Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. He served on the board of directors at Florida College for 22 years and was honored with the opening of Hinely Hall in 1998. “The many families he touched are better off for their relationship with him,” says Toepke. “We will all miss him greatly.”

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