Scoular founder dies at age 96
Scoular has announced the death of Marshall Faith, the company’s founder and chairman emeritus, in a company news release.
Faith died at home in Omaha, Nebraska, on Oct. 20, surrounded by family. He was 96 years old.
In 1967, Faith purchased a majority interest in Scoular-Bishop Grain. He would go on to grow Omaha-based Scoular into a global agribusiness, serving as CEO for 23 years and chairman for 25 years. At the time of his death, Faith served officially in the role of chairman emeritus, and unofficially in the role of passionate cheerleader for Scoular’s leadership team, its employees and its culture—the hallmarks of which he was so pivotal in defining.
“Marshall’s professional achievements and legacy that Scoular stands on today are numerous and will be felt for generations to come,” said Scoular CEO Paul Maass. “He was an exceptional and humble leader.”
Faith’s influence on the agricultural industry and in the community is vast. In addition to building Scoular to a company of more than $7 billion in sales, he founded the Scoular and Faith Family Foundations, which have distributed tens of millions of dollars in charitable giving, impacting Omaha and many rural communities.
Faith served in several leadership positions for industry and civic organizations, including the Nebraska Leadership Council, the Strategic Command Consultation Committee, the Aksarben Board of Governors, and the boards of Boy Scouts, Nebraska Methodist Hospital, Joslyn Art Museum, United Way of the Midlands, Youth for Christ/USA, Creighton University, and Bellevue University. He also was inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame.
Born on Feb. 5, 1929, in Salina, Kansas, Faith’s life was defined by hard work, a deep Christian faith, and unwavering commitment to family. He graduated from Salina (Kansas) High School, served in the Navy and earned a degree in milling administration from Kansas State University. In 1949, he married his high school sweetheart Mona Dishman, beginning a partnership that was the cornerstone of his life. They raised five children and built a legacy of love, resilience and faith.
Faith was preceded in death by his wife and his daughter, Leslie Faith. He is survived by three daughters, Lynda Schwemmer, Louise Van Court, and Laura Alley, and son, David Faith, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A private family burial will be held. Services will be under the direction of Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124.
