Long-time industry veteran and former president of The Fertilizer Institute Edwin M. Wheeler Sr., 85, passed away at his home in Sarasota, Fla., Feb. 18.
“Ed was a dynamic leader and few can forget his ‘fearless forecasts,’ said current TFI President Ford West. “As the first president of The Fertilizer Institute, Ed laid the foundation for TFI as it is today – both in mission and in spirit. He was truly the right man for the right time. We extend our condolences to his family.”
"Ed Wheeler was a larger than life personality who was able to lead The Fertilizer Institute through a tremendous period of growth,” said Bill Doyle, Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc. president and CEO. “His legacy is still felt because he had the good sense to hire Ford West, who does a great job of leading TFI today. We will never forget Ed and are grateful for his many contributions to our industry."
“I am sure Ed is in a better place and is telling fertilizer stories to anyone who will listen,” said long-time friend Barry Jarrett, VitAg Corp. vice president of marketing.
Ed was the founding president of TFI in 1969 when the Agricultural Nitrogen Institute and the National Plant Food Institute merged. He left in 1983. Prior to his time at TFI he was with the Burlington Northern Kansas City Railroad.
After a long career with TFI, in which he guided the industry through government-enforced price controls as well as many other hurdles and lobbying feats, Ed continued on as a consultant and was known for his annual “fearless forecast” at the Southwestern Fertilizer Conference each July. Ed was an early supporter as Green Markets launched in 1977, believing the industry needed an independent price discovery mechanism. In retirement in Florida, Ed continued to keep up with the industry and attended the Southwestern Conference as long as his health permitted.
Ed was very proud of his military service. A veteran of the U.S. Army, his military experience included 1944-1947; 2nd Lt. 1945-1947; 1st Lt. 1947-1952; Captain, Honorable Discharge 1952. He graduated from Washburn University School of Law and was admitted to the Kansas Bar in 1955.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Rosalie; two sons, Edwin M. Wheeler, Jr. and his wife Cheryl of Marion, Kan., and Christopher Wheeler and his wife Helene of Bethesda, Md.; a sister, Suzanne Watt of Naperville, Ill.; grandchildren, John, Jason, and Natalie; and step-grandchildren, Zachary and Skylar.
A memorial service will be held Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, Longboat Key, Fla. Interment will be in Marion, Kansas, at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church or to St. Luke Hospital, Marion, Kan.