John Airy

John M. Airy passed away Dec. 24, 2010 in Sun City, AZ. He was born in Lucas County, Iowa on Feb. 17, 1915. He attended a one room country school, followed by high school in nearby Derby. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Iowa State University in 1938, graduating in the top 5 percent of his class. He soon joined Pioneer Hi-Bred International where he developed a strong hybrid seed corn research program. He was a early adopter and promoter of sound agronomic practices to improve production. Mr. Airy developed a beef program based on the notion that selective breeding can improve productivity. He began acquiring superior animals from private herds. While looking at a Hereford herd in Marshall County, he became interested in the farm itself. Both the herd and the farm were purchased. The Pioneer beef research program was housed here until 1973, when the farm was transferred to Iowa State University. John M. Airy – an innovator, a leader. Survivors include his three children, Dean Airy (Jan) of Marion, IA, Joan Patrick (Curtis) of Henderson, NV, Darlene “Dot” Stermole (Frank) of Golden CO; 9 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, Jan. 14, 2011 at The Woodmark, 17207 N. Boswell Blvd., Sun City, AZ..Contributions suggested to the Boy Scouts of America, Hawkeye Area Council, 660 32nd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.