The American Association of Meat Processors announced last week that longtime member Shirley Wheat died on Sept. 25 at the age of 82. She was the co-owner of Cable’s Meats. The full statement from AAMP reads as follows:

“It is with sad news that we announce the passing of long-time AAMP Member Shirley Wheat on September 24. Shirley and her late husband, Bill, were former owners of Cable’s Meats in Marlow, Oklahoma. Memorial services were held September 28, at the First Baptist Church, in Marlow.

“She was born August 23, 1934, in White Hall, Illinois. She grew up in Dumas, Texas, and graduated from Dumas High School. She attended the Northwest Texas School of Nursing and became a nurse practitioner. She furthered her education and earned her Masters Degree at Vanderbilt University.

“Shirley moved to Marlow, Oklahoma in 1970. She worked with the Stephens County Health Department for 23 years. She started about a dozen home health clinics in Southwestern Oklahoma and worked closely with unwed mothers. She was honored with Marlow’s Outstanding Women Award in 1991 and earned the state’s top honor for nursing, the Sadin Award.

“Shirley married Bill on May 28, 1983, in Marlow. She became involved with the meat industry after she and Bill were married. Although her own career had been in the field of nursing, she began to attend state and national meat conventions. She lent her unbridled enthusiasm and energy to AAMP and served on the 1995 AAMP Convention Planning Committee as well as helped with various meat contests.

“Bill was very active in AAMP, serving on the Board of Directors in 1985 and served as the 2^nd Vice President in 1988. He attended his first AAMP convention in 1976 and rarely missed attending conventions in the years following.

“The Wheats were awarded the AAMP Achievement Award in 1996, during the 57^th American Convention of Meat Processors & Suppliers’ Exhibition, in Louisville, Kentucky. The Achievement Award, AAMP’s highest honor, is bestowed for service to the association and the meat industry.

“Those who knew Shirley best, knew she loved people and the Marlow community. She gave of herself as a tireless volunteer for the Marlow Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years, as an active member of the Delta Sigma Sorority for many years and she worked as a devoted Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church in Marlow for over 30 years. Shirley truly enjoyed helping others and helped numerous brides plan and prepare for their special day as a wedding planner. Shirley shared her talent by sewing costumes for high school musicals and church dramas. She will be remembered for her caring spirit and deeply missed by family and friends.

“Online condolences may be made at www.callawaysmithcobb.com.”

Source: AAMP