Aaron Selber Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aaron Selber Jr.
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Aaron Rosenbaum Selber Jr.
December 13, 1927 Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, US |
| Died | August 13, 2013 (aged 85) |
| Resting place | Forest Park Cemetery in Shreveport |
| Spouse | Peggy Burkenroad |
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| Occupation | Businessman |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army Air Forces Strategic Air Command |
Aaron Rosenbaum Selber Jr. (born December 13, 1927 – died August 13, 2013) was an American businessman. He was the last president of the Selber Bros. department store chain. He was also a philanthropist, meaning he gave a lot of money to good causes. Aaron Selber Jr. was from Shreveport, a big city in northern Louisiana.
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Early Life and Education
Aaron Selber Jr. grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana. His parents were Aaron R. Selber Sr. and Frances Dreyfuss. He learned to work hard from a young age. During the Great Depression, he delivered newspapers and sold magazines. He also serviced vending machines to earn money.
He went to Southfield School and then C. E. Byrd High School in Shreveport. After high school, he studied at Tulane University for a year.
Military Service
Aaron Selber Jr. joined the United States Army Air Forces. He worked in the electronics section of the Strategic Air Command. This job gave him "top secret" clearance, meaning he handled very important and secret information.
College and Family
After his military service, he went to the School of Retailing at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He then returned to Tulane University. He graduated in 1950 with a degree in business.
At Tulane, he met Peggy Burkenroad, who later became his wife. Peggy was also very involved in her community. She was an artist and a golfer. Like Aaron, she was a generous philanthropist.
Business Career
Aaron Selber Jr. returned to Shreveport to work in his family's clothing business, Selber Bros. This business was started by his grandfather, Charles Selber, in 1907. Under Aaron Jr.'s leadership, Selber Bros. grew into a large department store chain. They had stores in Louisiana and Texas.
From Retail to Investing
In 1988, the Selber Bros. stores were sold to Dillard's Department Stores. After this, Aaron Selber Jr. became an investor. He often said, "Cash rather than merchandise became my inventory." This meant he now invested money instead of selling clothes. He believed in staying positive in business.
Community Involvement
Aaron Selber Jr. was very active in his community. He gave a lot of money to many non-profit groups in Shreveport and New Orleans. He and his wife, Peggy, even started their own foundations to help others.
He held many important leadership roles, including:
- Chairman of the board for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association of Louisiana.
- Director of Commercial National Bank.
- President of the Shreveport Jaycees and later the Chamber of Commerce.
- President of Southfield School, Goodwill Industries, and the Holiday in Dixie festival.
He was also a board member for many other organizations. These included Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, the Boy Scouts of America, the American Red Cross, and the United Way. He also supported the college football Independence Bowl.
Later Life and Legacy
Aaron Selber Jr. passed away in 2013 at his home in Shreveport. He was 85 years old. His motto was, "Live your life in a wonderful way!" He is remembered for his business success and his kindness.
He had four daughters: Patty, Pam, Polly, and Penny.
