November 16, 2024
State | Daily Chronicle
State

Elmer Lynn Hauldren, Empire Carpet Man, dead at 89

By THE ASSOCIATED

In this photo taken Oct. 4, 2006, Elmer Lynn Hauldren, who became famous as the Empire Carpet man, holds a bobble head doll in his likeness in Chicago. A spokesman for Empire Today said Hauldren died Tuesday at his home in Evanston. He was 89. (AP Photo/Chicago Sun-Times, Al Podgorski)

NORTHLAKE – A World War II veteran who became famous as the Empire Carpet Man has died at age 89.

Empire Today spokeswoman Marlo Michalek says Elmer Lynn Hauldren died Tuesday at his Evanston home. A cause of death wasn't given but Michalek said he had been sick.

Hauldren was the voice of Empire carpet on television advertising in the 1970s. The ads later aired around the country in cities like New York, Washington and San Francisco. He was the company spokesperson until he died.

The company says it chose Hauldren as its on-air talent after auditioning several others for the role. Hauldren helped launch the carpet company's "588-2300" jingle.

Hauldren was the father of six, grandfather of 18 and great-grandfather of ten. He also was a singer in a barbershop quartet.