Obituary : Junius M. McIntire; Manager of Research for Carnation Co.

Junius M. McIntire, longtime head of research for Carnation Co. for which he developed instant milk and other innovative products, has died. He was 76.

The biochemist died in Van Nuys on July 26, his sons, John and Paul, said Tuesday.

Joining Carnation in 1955, McIntire was named general manager of research in 1967. Under his direction, the laboratories in Van Nuys expanded from 35 to more than 200 researchers. He was elevated to vice president of technical services for the company’s international division a year before his retirement in 1983.

McIntire’s lifelong research emphasis was the chemistry of milk and instant products that could be made from it. In addition to powdered milk that could be reconstituted by adding water, McIntire developed Carnation Instant Breakfast, and powdered or instant hot chocolate and coffee creamer.

The instant products contributed strongly to Carnation’s growth from a $500-million-a-year company to one with sales of $3.4 billion.

A native of Price, Utah, McIntire earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Brigham Young University and his master’s and doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin.

He began his research with milk as a scientist at Western Condensing Co. in Appleton, Wis., and later worked for the U.S. Army quartermaster in Chicago, developing milk and oil products into field rations.

A devout Mormon, McIntire served as executive secretary and high councilman of his Van Nuys division of the church as well as Sunday school superintendent, Boy Scout and Explorer Scout leader.

In addition to his sons, McIntire is survived by his wife, Vivian, and seven grandchildren.