PULLMAN, Wash. — Services for Marion Eugene Ensminger, 90, Clovis, Calif., will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at People’s Church, Clovis. Ensminger died at home, Sunday (July 5).
Ensminger was known around the world for his educational programs and publications on animal husbandry. He joined the Washington State University faculty 1941 and became chair of the animal science department in 1944. Ensminger served as chair until 1962.
The animal science department later merged in 1965 with the poultry and dairy departments to form the current animal sciences department.
Ensminger was born May 28, 1908 at Stover, Missouri. He received bachelor of science and master’s of arts degrees from the University of Missouri and received his doctorate from the University of Minnesota.
Ensminger was president of the AgriServices Foundation from 1962 until his death. He conducted seminars, or ag-tech schools, in 69 countries, wrote or updated 22 books and worked as a consultant. Many of his books were translated into foreign languages.
Raymond Wright, chair of WSU’s animal sciences department, said Ensminger’s handbooks are resources commonly used by Northwest cattle producers.
The Ensmingers established a scholarship at WSU for upper division students. In 1983 the university honored him by naming its beef center the M. E. Ensminger Beef Cattle Center.
He is survived by his widow, Audrey; son, John; sister, Aileen Bennett; and brother, Leonard.
Remembrances may be sent to AgriServices Foundation, P.O. Box 429, Clovis, CA 93612.
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