The Omaha World-Herald reported Sunday that Clayton Yeutter, 86, former agriculture secretary and U.S. trade representative, died Saturday at his home in Potomac, Maryland, after a four-year battle with colon cancer.

He was a native of Eustis, Nebraska, and served as U.S. agriculture secretary from 1989 to 1991 under President George H.W. Bush. He was U.S. trade representative under President Ronald Reagan, leading the trade negotiations on what became the North American Free Trade Agreement. He also served as chairman of the Republican National Committee.

"Clayton grew up on his family's farm in Nebraska and never forgot the hardworking families of this country," said Acting Agriculture Secretary Mike Young in a statement. "I remember his dedication and devotion to improving rural American during his leadership at USDA from 1989 to 1991. 

According to USDA, Yeutter earned his bachelor's degree in animal husbandry from the University of Nebraska in 1952 and served in the Air Force for five years. He earned his law degree in 1963 and in 1966 his doctorate in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska.

He was on the staff at the University of Nebraska from 1960 to 1966 and the Nebraska governor's staff from 1966 to 1968. He was a senior partner in the Nebraska law firm of Nelson, Harding, Yeutter and Leonard. In 1978, he became president of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

"USDA has lost not only a great friend, but an example of what a life devoted to public service can accomplish," Young said. "Our thoughts are with his family and all his many friends."

A memorial service will be April 8 in Bethesda, Maryland.

Source: Omaha World-Herald, USDA