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Former NCBA president dies of cancer

Wythe Willey, who served as president of both the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, has died after a two-year battle with cancer.  He was 68.

Willey was a longtime Cedar Rapids lawyer who took over his family’s farm and ranch near Maquoketa. He served two terms as president of the Iowa Cattlemen’s group in the 1990s and led the national association in 2002. 

Willey also served as chief of staff to former Iowa governor Robert Ray and ran Iowa field operations for Senator Chuck Grassley.  President George W. Bush appointed Willey to his advisory committee on trade policy.

Link to obituary in the Cedar Rapids Gazette