Omer M. Dye

Omer was born in the Dye family farmhouse six miles east of Unionville, Missouri on November 16, 1927. His parents, Milton and Reta (Casady), were working together in the midst of a "by hand" corn harvest but took the time to give their new offspring a great start in life. In his book "Growing Up Rich", Omer describes a perfect childhood even on mud roads and during drought and depression. To quote his preface: "The word 'rich' in this collection has nothing to do with money. Rather, it relates to life's true treasures. The opportunity to work side by side with parents. An endless supply of good food. Clean clothes. A quiet place to play in the mud (especially when wearing clean clothes). A dog who seems to understand your problems. A warm bed with whip-poor-wills and bullfrogs to induce deep sleep. The boy in these stories had no cash, nor did he miss it."

He attended the one-room Halley school, which served about 30 pupils grade 1 through 8. His first teacher, Miss Hazel Sell, must have been a great influence, for he held her in highest regard during his entire lifetime.

Too young for the draft during World War II, Omer at age 17 enrolled at the University of Missouri in Columbia where he chose agricultural journalism as a profession and joined Alpha Gamma Rho, an ag fraternity. Following graduation, he married his college sweetheart, Thaleta Jane Ralls, a home economics major. This perfect marriage would last a lifetime and produce three wonderful children. For his first post-graduate employment, Omer was named editor of a monthly publication promoting expanded use of electricity on the farm. Four years later, he became an advertising manager for Purina Dog Chow and other products at Ralson Purina company in St. Louis and Washington, D.C.

In 1964, he and his family moved to Omaha, where he joined Bozell & Jacobs advertising agency. During the following 23 years, he made major contributions toward building the nation's largest agricultural ad agency. (One assignment: Serve on a 5-man task force to create an appropriate new name [ConAgra] for a small Omaha company [Nebraska Consolidated Mills]. Offered retirement at age 59, Omer created his own highly-successful advertising/marketing service, specializing in high-tech animal health products. Many leading companies in this field became his clients.

Omer's interests included all aspects of crop and livestock farm ownership. An instrument-rated pilot and airplane owner, he frequently flew to north Missouri to "check the crops". He also loved traditional country/bluegrass music and played both guitar and 5-string banjo. He was a 60-year member of Masonic Lodge #171 in Hartford, Missouri. And he never passed up the opportunity to encourage his children and others toward a better education. His counsel and generosity benefited dozens of kids. But these diverse interests were always overshadowed by family concerns. "Family First" was his motto. A daughter's dance recital would always trump a new business presentation.

His wide circle of friends included farmers, bankers, lawyers, merchants, mechanics, printers, pilots, plumbers, carpenters, ministers, and politicians. His wit and wisdom will be missed.

He was preceded in death by beloved wife, Jane, and sister, LaVera Nelson. Survivors include daughters Tricia (Jim) Marquiss and Nancy (Monte) Ulbert; son Stuart; six grandchildren, Regan (Becky Ramsey), Nathan (Wendy), Matthew (Jenna), and Christopher Marquiss, Jennifer (Ulbert) Stoneking, and Erin Ulbert (Chad) Eddins; five great grandchildren, Lindsey, Will, Katie, Noah, and Adelyn; sister Lois Shepherd; sisters-in-law Carol Holmquist and Ellen (Mick) Green; many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.