Dick Lumpkin Dies at Age 84

Founding director and former chairman of the Consolidated Communications board of directors Richard A. Lumpkin died Thursday, April 4. He was 84.

“On behalf of the entire Consolidated Communications team and Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the Lumpkin family,” said Bob Udell, president and chief executive officer at Consolidated Communications. “Dick’s incredible leadership and passion within our Company, our industry and the community have impacted countless lives. I considered him a close friend and mentor, and we are all better for knowing him. His legacy will continue and thrive in the greater-Mattoon area and well beyond.”

Lumpkin had a 55-year career in telecommunications starting with Illinois Consolidated Telephone Co. (ICTC), founded in 1894 by his great-grandfather, Iverson A. Lumpkin, in Mattoon, Illinois. He was named president of ICTC in 1977. In 1984, he was named president of the newly formed holding company, Consolidated Communications Inc. and then served as chairman and chief executive officer from 1990 until 1997.

As an influential leader in the telecommunications industry, he served as past director, president and treasurer of the USTelecom Association, an organization that presented him the Distinguished Service Award. He served as past president of the Illinois Telecommunications Association and as chairman and director of Illuminet Holdings, Inc. and Independent Telecommunications Network. Additionally, he held director positions at Teldata and the National Telecommunications Network.