In Memoriam: Ryan Homan
GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Ryan Homan. Lefeld Industrial & Welding Supplies announced that Ryan Homan “Otis” had passed away on March 26, 2025. Ryan was the Fabrication Shop Manager at Lefeld and had been with the company since 1996. The company said, “He brought his quick wit, steady patience, and positive spirit to everyone around him. His legacy will live on, and he will be deeply missed.”
Ryan is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, sons, Josh and Luke; brothers, Chad Homan and Randy & Carol Homan; grandmother, LaDonna Homan; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gary & Vickie Lefeld; sister-in-law, Ashley & Nick Rengers, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Mercer County or the Mercer County Civic Foundation care of Lefeld Industrial & Welding Supplies Scholarship.
To read a full obituary for Ryan, click here.
Red Ball Oxygen Moves to New OKC Facility
Red Ball Oxygen announced on its company LinkedIn page that it had moved to a new facility in Oklahoma City. According to CEO Alex Kennedy, “6 years after opening in Oklahoma City and we’re moving out of the old store and into a new larger facility! Our new store has a much larger footprint which will allow us to put more cyogenic bulk tanks and increase our production and storage capabilities. We had an intrepid group of guys from Shreveport including some of our executives who went and worked with our branch and bulk crew to move everything over in 3 quick days. Thank you to all of our customers in this market who trust us with their business- our growth would not be possible without all of you!”
To read the full post and see a complete photo gallery, click here.
Lincoln Electric Presents Chairman’s Award to Minneapolis Oxygen for 2025
Lincoln Electric is proud to announce that Minneapolis Oxygen has been honored with the prestigious Chairman’s Award for 2025. This award is presented to a top-performing distributor partner who demonstrate exceptional growth, unwavering loyalty, and a commitment to excellence throughout the calendar year.
Minneapolis Oxygen has consistently exemplified the values that define Lincoln Electric’s legacy—innovation, customer service, and dedication to quality. Their strong performance and deep-rooted partnership with Lincoln Electric have contributed to significant achievements within the industry. Their ability to drive growth while maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction and market leadership makes them a standout distributor in our network.
“We are thrilled to recognize Minneapolis Oxygen with the Chairman’s Award for 2025,” said Mickey Holmes, U.S. Distributor Sales Manager. “Their steadfast dedication and consistent growth in a competitive market make them a valued partner. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and success.”
This award highlights the exceptional partnership Lincoln Electric has with Minneapolis Oxygen, and we look forward to their continued success in the years to come. Congratulations to the entire Minneapolis Oxygen team for this well-deserved recognition! The Lincoln Electric Company appreciates all distributor partners, entering our 130 years in business in 2025 we would not be the company we are today without our distributor partners.
