SALEM, OREGON, U.S. — Emmett Earl Pryor, a former chairman of the Oregon Wheat Commission and past president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, died May 11. He was 92 years old.

Born in Condon, Oregon, U.S., on July 12, 1925, Pryor enlisted in the U.S. Navy immediately after graduating from Condon High School. After attending Oklahoma University, he joined the USS Merrimack as engineering officer.

After the war, he returned to Condon and began farming. He believed deeply in public service and advocacy for agriculture and specifically the wheat industry. He once said in a speech that, “Every man worth his salt should give back to his community and industry at least 10%.”

In addition to his time as president of NAWG and chairman of the OWC, Pryor served on numerous committees and boards. Among his titles he was president of the Oregon Wheat League; founder and chairman of the Agriculture Recovery Council; and founder and chairman of the Council for Economic Development in Oregon. He also served on the U.S. Commission on Agriculture Trade and Export Policy.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Bernice “Peetie” Petroff of The Dalles.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Pryor; two sons, Marc (Paula) Pryor and Ty Pryor; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Condon Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 385, Condon, Oregon, U.S., 97823.

A celebration of life will be held at the Condon Elks Lodge on May 19 at noon for family and friends.