Casey’s chairman dies

Ankeny, Iowa Ronald M. Lamb, the chairman and longtime executive of Casey's General Stores, died Friday after a battle with cancer, the company said. He was 74 years old.

Lamb worked for the company for nearly 40 years in various positions, ranging from store manager to chairman. He served as CEO from 1998 until 2006.

"Ron's exceptional character and integrity influenced the lives of many people," Robert Myers, president and CEO of Casey's, said in a statement. "His tireless work ethic and strong leadership style are embedded into the culture of our company."

Casey's operates about 1,500 convenience stores in the Midwest under the brands HandiMart, Just Diesel and Casey's. It is in the midst of a hostile takeover battle with Canada-based competitor Alimentation Couche-Tard.