Collier Wenderoth Jr. passes away (Updated)

Editor’s note: Story is editing with additions and changes throughout. See end of story for obit and funeral service information.

Collier Wenderoth Jr., the chairman of Fort Smith-based OK Industries and a legend in the Arkansas and national poultry industry, has passed away. He was 87.

The regional poultry processing company was began by Wenderoth’s father, and Collier joined the small family operation selling feed for O.K. Feed Mills, and in 1955 became president of the company. Wenderoth added poultry processing and distribution and began a path of growth that would see the company post revenue of $928.3 million in 2010.

Today, OK Industries employs about 5,000 in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. The company was one of the largest privately held operations based in Arkansas. The company operates large processing plants in Fort Smith and Heavener, Okla.

INDUSTRY ICON
Wenderoth’s passing marks the loss of a third poultry industry icon within the past 7 months. Don Tyson, the former chairman and CEO of Springdale-based Tyson Foods, passed away Jan. 6. He was 80. Gene George, the longtime CEO of Springdale-based George’s Inc. died Dec. 1, 2010. He was 88.

John Tyson, son of Don Tyson and chairman of the Tyson Foods’ board, issued this statement: “Collier Wenderoth was one of the pioneers of the poultry industry in Arkansas, and was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. His company and ours have worked closely together on issues of importance to our industry for many years and we will miss his leadership and inspiration. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and everyone else at OK Foods.”

Gary George, son of Gene George, said Wenderoth’s ability to lead the company and build a leadership team around him was “truly admirable.”

“Collier was a good friend of our families, and we had many business dealings with him. He was a true pioneer in our industry. I tell you, his integrity in dealing with not only us, but all the people is impeccable,” George said. “My family mourns his passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Marvin Childers, executive director of The Poultry Federation, said he was saddened at the loss.

“It’s another sad day in the poultry industry. We lost another icon,” Childers said. “Mr. Wenderoth was one of those who treated his employees like they were his family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Wenderoth family.”

NATIONAL REMEMBRANCE
George Watts, who recently retired after 38 years as president of the National Chicken Council, was president when Wenderoth served as the council’s chairman (1978-1980). Watts noted: “Collier Wenderoth was a visionary leader of the poultry industry, building his family company and the entire industry with it. He was always generous with his time and energy. As a business and civic leader, he commanded respect in Arkansas and across the country. He will truly be missed.”

The National Chicken Council represents the companies that produce, process and market chickens. Member companies of NCC account for approximately 95% of the chicken sold in the United States.

Mike Brown, the new president of the National Chicken Council, issued this statement: “I know I speak for people across the industry when I pay tribute to the life and career of Collier Wenderoth, Jr., who was chairman of the National Chicken Council in 1978-80 and was recognized as a “Pioneer of the Industry” at our fiftieth anniversary annual conference in 2004. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, issued this statement: “Today I am saddened to hear of the passing of Collier Wenderoth Jr. Mr. Wenderoth’s vision for business was remarkable. His footprint left on the poultry industry both in Arkansas and the rest of the country is extraordinary. He was truly a giant in his field and a leader in his community. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wenderoth family and the people of Fort Smith for their loss.”

AWARDS, RECOGNITION
Wenderoth was active in his support of local charities and organizations, including First Tee, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce and Hardscrabble Country Club. He also served many years as a board member of the First National Bank of Fort Smith.

Sam M. Sicard, president, chairman and CEO of First National Bank, issued the following statement Monday afternoon: “The Employees, Officers and Directors of the First National Bank of Fort Smith were saddened to learn of the passing today of Collier Wenderoth, Jr. He has been a faithful member of our Board of Directors for the past 37 years and was very well thought of by anyone who knew him, especially in the chicken  industry. Collier has been very involved in this Community and served it in countless ways for many years and he and has always been considered a gentleman who conducted himself, personally and professionally, with integrity. Family, friends and employees were very important to Collier which was evident any time you were around him. I am very proud to have considered him a close personal friend and I, along with my family, and our ‘Bank family’ will miss him.”

According to an Arkansas Farm Bureau publication, Wenderoth’s record of public service includes two terms as president of the Arkansas Poultry Federation and two terms as chairman of the National Broiler Council (now the National Chicken Council). Both organizations recognized Wenderoth with their highest honors.

He has received the Poultry Federation’s “Man of the Year” award in 1982 and in 2004 received the National Chicken Council’s “Broiler Industry Pioneer” award. Perhaps most significantly Wenderoth was named one of 32 founders of the Arkansas Poultry Industry by the Poultry Center of Excellence at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

In 2009, he was inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame. The Arkansas Farm Bureau noted upon Wenderoth’s induction: “When his mother resigned as chairman of the board, Mr. Wenderoth assumed that title as well, and restructured the company under the name O.K. Industries, Inc., a privately held company owned by his family. O.K. Industries Inc.’s commitment to cutting-edge technology contributes to increased efficiency across the broiler industry. Mr. Wenderoth’s vision and leadership helped establish Arkansas’ position in the global poultry industry.”

DEMANDED EXCELLENCE
A former OK employee said Wenderoth’s willingness to take risks helped fuel the company’s growth.

“What I will remember is Collier’s great love for America. He knew the American dream included risk and he was never afraid to take one when the timing seemed right,” said Gary Brown, vice-president of sales and marketing for O.K. Foods from 1996 through 2008. “His pursuit of this dream was never a solo adventure. His risks created thousands of jobs in Arkansas and Oklahoma that have benefited the communities where O.K. has people at work each day to produce products that are shipped throughout the country and around the world.”

Philip Merry Jr., whose family has been close to the sons and daughters of Nancy and Collier Wenderoth, said the city and state should “celebrate having had a guy like him” conducting business.

“This is the passing of an icon of legendary proportions. Talk about a man who had a dream and worked his tail off to pursue it, that was Mr. Wenderoth,” said Merry, who also serves as a member of the Fort Smith Board of Directors.

“He took that from just a feed and grain business, and grew it leaps and bounds into processing and distribution and the company it is today,” Merry said.

Merry said he is confident that Trent Goins, Randy Goins and other top management at OK Industries will keep moving forward.

“The company will do well, because that team learned from the very best. … Collier demanded excellence, and he got it,” Merry said.

And while it was known that Collier Wenderoth could indeed be demanding of those around him, Brown said Wenderoth had a soft side.

“What I will also recall are the many acts of kindness he showed. After the passing of my father I returned to work and found a handwritten note on my desk that was several pages long. It contained words of encouragement, but also reminders of how important it was for me to be there for my mother in the days ahead. Collier loved and respected his own mother. There are many in this community who can tell of a kindness they received at his hand,” Brown noted.

Merry also noted that soft side, saying that when Hurricane Katrina hit the New Orleans area, OK Industries took a large cooker and “truckloads” of chicken to the area to feed the rescued and the rescuers.

“And now they are doing the same thing in Joplin. … That may be a legacy some people won’t mention, but I think it tells us a lot about the company and (Wenderoth’s) influence,” Merry said.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Thursday (June 9), at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith, with burial at Forest Park Cemetery in Fort Smith. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m., June 8, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel (201 N. 12th St.) in Fort Smith.

OBIT
Collier Wenderoth Jr., 87, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, formerly of Fort Smith, passed away June 6, 2011 in Fort Smith. He was born December 2, 1923 in Fort Smith, AR to Collier and Virginia Wenderoth. He was Chairman of The Board of O.K. Industries Inc., was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and he was a WWII Veteran serving in the United States Air Force.

In Lieu of customary remembrances memorials may be sent to: The Collier Wenderoth Jr. Memorial Fund at First Presbyterian Church, 116 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901, or to The Chapel at Sawgrass , P.O. Box 3205, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004-3205, or to the charity of one’s choice.