Z. B. Mayo Jr., 74, emeritus professor of entomology, died March 25.

Z. B. Mayo

Mayo joined the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Department of Entomology in 1972. He led the department for 10 years, first in an interim role from 1993 to 1995, then as department head from 1999 to 2005.

Mayo also served as interim associate dean and director of the Agricultural Research Division from 1995 until his retirement in 2010. In retirement, he continued to provide part-time support to the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ International Agricultural program.

Mayo's research programs at Nebraska focused on the development of bio-intensive pest management programs for field crops.

He was a member and held office in several organizations and received numerous awards, including being named National Educational Administrator of the Year by the National Association of Educational Office Professionals in 2008.

Mayo served on more than 90 national and regional committees, including more than 40 as chair. He presented papers at more than 50 invited meetings around the world, helped author 95 papers and mentored numerous masters and doctoral students.

Mayo received a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and master's and doctorate degrees from Oklahoma State University. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Mayo is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lois (Zentarski) Mayo; brother, Reginald Mayo of Spur, Texas; sister, Roszella Stephenson of Hemet, California; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jean and Ralph Zimmerman of Aurora, Illinois, Nancy and Larry Fox of Channahon, Illinois, and Mary and Larry Tate of Windsor, Colorado; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life is 10:30 a.m. March 29 at Butherus-Maser and Love Funeral Home, 4040 A St., Lincoln. The family will be available from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Memorials are requested to the Food Bank of Lincoln’s Backpack Program.