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Wayne E. Swegle, 89, passed away on Oct. 15, 2015 in Ames, Iowa. Swegle graduated from Indianola High School and enrolled at Iowa State College at the early age of 16. His schooling was interrupted by service in the Army Air Force during WWII, but he returned to Iowa State in 1947, becoming Editor of The Agriculturist magazine, writing for the Iowa State Daily newspaper. He graduated with a degree in agricultural journalism in 1949.

Following graduation, he worked with the Iowa State Extension Service. In 1952 he joined Successful Farming magazine as Assistant Editor in charge of economics and farm management. He became the Managing Editor in 1962.

In 1972, the USDA Secretary of Agriculture, Earl Butz, asked Wayne to join the department as Assistant to the Secretary and Director of Public Affairs. He served until 1975, when he became President of the Millers’ National Federation and later, Vice President of the Food and Agricultural Committee for the National Planning Association.

Wayne ended his working career with Winrock International, leading him to Arkansas where he retired. In 2013 he was awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Agricultural Editors Association (AAEA).

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, daughter and great-grandson. He is survived by his children, Laurie Swegle, Sheri (Steve) Reynolds, Gary (Lee) Swegle, former wife Louise B. Swegle, ex-wife Sandra Swegle, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.