Jon Michael "Mike" Cude, a member of this year's Plastics Hall of Fame induction class, died Feb. 14. He was 67.
Cude, of Clifton, Tenn., was one of 17 people announced earlier this year as being part of the newest class for the Hall of Fame. He had distinguished himself with a 40-year career in medical plastics.
"Mike has had a long and successful career in the medical plastics industry, spanning 40 years. He holds 19 patents, primarily in cardiology, radiology and general surgery," his nomination to the Hall of Fame reads.
Cude's career in plastics led to experiences in both the United States and Europe.
"Mike created a toolmaking company in Portugal and led the startup and operation of nine medical plastics manufacturing plants in the U.S., Mexico, and Ireland," his nomination said. He also had extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions and was involved in 12 deals during his career.
Cude started his career as vice president of manufacturing for Hospital Disposals in 1979 and became president of Atlantic Molds Inc., a mold maker based in Portugal. He was vice president of DeRoyal Plastics Group starting in 1989 and became chief operating officer and chief technical officer for Coeur Inc., a disposal medical products company founded by his brother Jay Cude, in 1999.
Coeur was sold to ITW Medical in 2012, and Cude remained there as global director of innovation, engineering and operations until in 2019 when he retired, his Hall of Fame nomination form states. He then became a consultant.
A death notice posted by Crestview Funeral Home in Gallatin, Tenn., indicates donations in Cude's memory can be made to the National Brain Tumor Society. Visitation is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at the funeral home, 1623 Highway 109 North, Gallatin.