In Memoriam

James (Jim) Hanson Brandt, DVM, 87 of Nokomis, Florida, passed away on Oct. 25, 2021. Born in McPherson, Kansas, he married the love of his life, Patty Sue Hasemeiser, in 1955. Brandt earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1964. Following graduation, the Brandt family moved to the Venice, Florida, area where Dr. Brandt opened Brandt Veterinary Clinic. Here, he cared for animals and clients until he retired in 1997.

Brandt was a leader in the community, sitting on many boards as a member or officer; a director of Guaranty Bank of Southwest Florida and Venice Hospital and a founding director of The Venice Foundation.

His passion for veterinary medicine also led him to serve as the Florida Veterinary Medical Association president, president of the Southwest Florida Veterinary Medical Association and a member of the AVMA House of Delegates, serving as Florida’s delegate or alternate from 1989 until his election as AVMA president-elect in 2000. Following his tenure as AVMA president, Brandt became the first past-president in eight decades to immediately chair the AVMA Board of Directors and oversaw the AVMA Group Health and Life Insurance Trust, now known as AVMA Life. In 2006, the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine awarded Brandt a Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2013, he received the AVMA Award, the Association’s highest accolade, for his years of service to the profession. Brandt is survived by his wife of 66 years, Pat; son Hadley Brandt; three grandchildren and his soonto-be-born first great-granddaughter, Baby Brandt. Source: Brandt Family and JAVMA News

Lee “Doc” Chatham, DVM, of Queen Creek, Arizona, passed away on Oct. 24, 2021. He was 86.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, he grew up on his parents’ dairy farm. He earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1959. Chatham began his career in partnership with a classmate in Buckeye, Arizona. And then moved to Chicago, Illinois. Here, his practice turned to equine medicine working racetracks. He later purchased a pharmaceutical company in Kansas City, Missouri, and manufactured the drugs once used in his practice. In 1990, he purchased a veterinary clinic in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. In 2000, Chatham returned to Arizona, settling in Queen Creek where he practiced equine medicine even after turning 85 years old. Chatham was an avid polo player. He traveled to Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama and Pennsylvania to play. There were international trips to Argentina and Cameroon, as well as charitable benefit matches, the most notable being the Kidney Foundation. Chatham also attended clown school and worked as Seedy the Clown to bring joy to his grandchildren and children of all ages. In 2017, he traveled with other veterinarians to Africa to provide veterinary service to large game animals desperate for medical care. He loved sports and if he wasn’t watching, he was listening on his radio. Chatham is survived by his sons: Gary Chatham, Steve Chatham and Allan Chatham; daughter Deborah Steele, 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Source: San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home and Advance Planning Center

James (Jim) Edward Christy, DVM, 89 of Riesel, Texas, passed away on Dec. 2, 2020. Born in Wellston, Oklahoma, he graduated from Wellston High School and earned his DVM degree from OSU in 1954. In 1955, he married Alice Cooper. The couple had four children. Dr. Christy was a large animal veterinarian for the U.S. government. He often relocated across the United States following diseases of large animals. In his retirement, the couple moved to Riesel, where he raised exotic bantam chickens and they enjoyed the country life. He was active in the Riesel Lions Club. Christy was known for his great sense of humor and a zest for life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Alice Christy, two sisters, his brother and one son, Frank Christy. Christy is survived by his daughter, Mary Lee Eichorn of Ruidoso, New Mexico; sons: James Edward Christy, Jr. of Riesel; Charles R. Christy of Crystal Beach, Texas; seven grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and longtime friend Virginia Babbs. Source: Grace Gardens Funeral Home & Crematorium

Curtis J. Fried, DVM, of Mandan, North Dakota, passed away on Jan. 3, 2021. He was 68.

Born in Hettinger, North Dakota, he began first grade at the local country school and then attended Selfridge Public School. He attended Dickinson State College and North Dakota State University before earning his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University, where he graduated with honors in 1978. For many years, Fried owned a veterinary clinic in McLaughlin, South Dakota. He then moved his business to Britton, South Dakota, and in later years, lived in Pollock, South Dakota. Several years ago, Fried moved back to his hometown of Selfridge and recently resided at Miller Pointe Nursing Home in Mandan. Fried always loved horses, riding and training them in his young adulthood. He had a passion for Native American history and had an impressive collection of artifacts that he personally found over many years. One of his favorite hobbies was fishing on the Missouri River. He was a devout Catholic, serving many with his generosity and living a life that showed God’s love and mercy. Fried is survived by his brothers: Dennis Fried, Mike Fried, Bob Fried, Bernie Fried; sisters Kathy Schantz, Pat Fried-Hill, Carmen Walker; seven nieces/nephews; and nine great-nieces/nephews. Source: The Bismarck Tribune

James (Jim) Rex Hargrave, 65, passed away on Aug. 13, 2021, surrounded by friends and loved ones.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Hargrave lived in Cushing, Oklahoma.

As a young man, Hargrave worked towards his mechanical engineering degree. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an aerospace control warning systems operator-air traffic control specialist. For 29 years, Hargrave served as the facilities manager for the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. He managed all the maintenance, utilities, new equipment installations and new construction for the college. He maintained repair records, blueprints, operations and maintenance manuals and project files for all college projects. Hargrave also monitored utility usage, watching for unusually high or low utility bills and finding the cause. He received several honors for outstanding service, including two prestigious Stratton Staff Awards (1996 and 2012) and an Honorary Doctor of Veterinary Facilities Management degree. Hargrave was an avid outdoors sportsman and loved deep sea fishing and deer and duck hunting. He was a member of the Oklahoma Bass Federation and ranked in the state’s top champions. He fished and placed in multiple tournaments such as the Cimarron Valley Tournament, Bass Masters Tournaments, BFL Tournaments and many more. Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, June Hargrave; sisters: Cynthia Hargrave, Becky Koch, Marla Hargrave, Melanie Miller, Janine Warmowski and Suzanne Hargrave; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, and his beloved yellow lab, Flash. Source: Hargrave Family

David Roy Kinkaid, DVM, 75, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away on Dec. 30, 2020.

Born in Bowie, Texas, he graduated from Ponca City High School in 1963 and earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1970. Kinkaid worked as a veterinarian for more than 50 years. He was very active in the community, serving on the Ponca City Public School Board as president and director of Ponca City Youth Tackle Football. Kinkaid also spent 30 years involved in youth wrestling, refereeing 37 National Wrestling Championships. He was inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame for his years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in young people through the sport of wrestling. He was named Oklahoma High School Coaches’ Outstanding Referee two times. He enjoyed making memories with family and friends, working cattle at his farm, treating animals

at the clinic and volunteering in the community. He will be remembered for his lifetime of service to better his community. Kinkaid is survived by his wife, Vickie; son Brett Kinkaid of Ponca City; daughter Kelli Kinkaid of Ponca City; daughter Darbi Alstrom of Bartlesville; son Luke Kinkaid of Ponca City; son Landon Kinkaid of Ponca City; son Cody Sensintaffar of Sand Springs; son Caleb Sensintaffar of Jenks; and Craig Backus of Ponca City; 14 grandchildren and former wife, Cheryl Colwell Kinkaid. Source: Trout Funeral Home

James Conrad “Doc” McCoy, DVM, 82, of Ravenswood, West Virginia, passed away Oct. 11, 2021, following a brief illness.

Born in Ravenswood, he graduated from Ravenswood High School and was recently inducted in the RHS Football Hall of Fame. He earned a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1964. Following an appointed stint by the Department of Agriculture as the chief epidemiologist for northeastern West Virginia, he came back home to found, own and operate the Jackson Animal Clinic in Ripley. Active in the community, he was an original member and past president of the Jackson County Development Authority, a member of the Jackson County Health Department and a board member of the West Virginia Veterinary Association. McCoy was also one of the original owners and operators of McCoy’s Motor Lodge and was instrumental in the growth of west Ripley and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ravenswood.

Doc was known for never turning down a veterinary call no matter if it was large or small, early or late. His family describes him as a rock, a protector, generous, giving, loving, family-oriented, humble, a visionary and “a good man.” Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Joyce Anne McCoy; his sons: Jeff McCoy and Patrick McCoy; his daughter, Erin McCoy Stovall; three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and three brothers and three sisters.

Source: Casto Funeral Home

Jerry Allen Mitchell, Sr., DVM, 81, of Duncan, Oklahoma, passed away on March 29, 2021. Born in Cleo Springs, Oklahoma, he graduated from Hennessey (Oklahoma) High School where he played football. He attended Oklahoma State University where he was a member of the ROTC program and earned his DVM degree in 1966. Mitchell worked for different veterinarians for several years before opening his own veterinary clinic where he cared for all kinds of animals. He later became a state inspector for Oklahoma. Jerry and Peggy Lou Gordon were married in 1997. He was a member of the Audubon Society and loved to travel to watch birds. He also loved to hunt with his dogs and horses for weeks at a time in New Mexico.

Mitchell is survived by his wife, Peggy; his children: Fred Mitchell of Vernal, Utah; Jerry Mitchell, Jr. of Marlow, Oklahoma; Justin Brammer of Duncan; John Brammer of Weatherford, Texas; eight grandchildren; one sister and numerous nieces and nephews. Source: Whitt Funeral Home

Samuel Kem Morrison, DVM, 94, of Bentonville, Arkansas, passed away on March 28, 2021. Born in Harriet, Arkansas, he was a World War II U.S. Army veteran in the 29th Infantry. In 1953, he earned his DVM degree from then-Oklahoma A&M College. Morrison was a large animal and/or small animal veterinarian in Bentonville for almost 60 years. Samuel was a member of the Rotary Club, Bentonville School Board and Bentonville Hospital Board. He was a Sunday school teacher, a deacon, and a member of the church choir for 50 years. Morrison is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 37 years, Mary Morrison. He is survived by four daughters: Susan Shell, Beth Parson, Lou Ann Devlin and Dr. Melissa Brown; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Source: Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Lisa Kapura Munson, DVM, 47, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away of natural causes on Aug. 18, 2021. Born in Michigan, she married Daniel Munson in 1996. She earned her undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1997 and her DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 2000. Munson is survived by her husband of 25 years, Daniel Munson; her two children: Ashlan and Austin Munson; her parents: John and Marcia Kapura of Tulsa; her sisters: Lori Kapura of Bixby, Oklahoma; Traci Sinclair of Sewickley, Pennsylvania; and five nieces.

Source: Fitzgerald Funeral Service

Dianne Mary Nail, DVM, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, died suddenly on Feb. 5, 2021. She was 79.

Born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, her family moved several times before settling in Houston, where she graduated from Lamar High School. She completed her pre-vet degree at Monticello College where she was an avid equestrian. Since Texas A&M University did not accept women at that time, she applied to and was accepted at Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Nail was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and earned her DVM degree from OSU in 1965 — one of only three women in the class. In 1966, she married Nicholas A. Nail, DVM, and they practiced together in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1970, the couple began a small animal practice in Broken Arrow. They moved to Broken Arrow in 1976, where they still live. Throughout her life, Nail earned many awards for her professional and civic contributions. Early in her career, she was honored as “Woman of the Year” by the Tulsa Junior Women’s Club. She was active in professional organizations including, the American Veterinary Medical Association, Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), and Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Foundation. Nail held top leadership positions in these organizations, notably in 1998 when she was elected OVMA president — the second female veterinarian to reach that position. Many programs in existence today, such as the Birthing Center at the Tulsa State Fair, began under her leadership. In 2003, she was recognized as the OVMA Veterinarian of the Year for her outstanding service. Nail was similarly dedicated to her community, applying her veterinary and leadership skills to organizations such as Broken Arrow PTA, 4-H Foundation, Tulsa Garden Center, A New Leaf and Epsilon Sigma Alpha. After retiring, she fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a Master Gardener. She loved volunteering to answer the gardening help line and presenting gardening programs in the community. Her recent passion was roses. She was an original member of the “Bring Back the Roses” Committee of Keep Broken Arrow Beautiful. She led the Rose Show at the Annual Rose Festival and helped plant many of the roses in and around downtown Broken Arrow.

She was a lifelong tennis player, horseback rider, outdoor enthusiast and bridge player. She spent many happy summers at the family cabin near Meeker Park, Colorado. Nail was a member of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church and was instrumental in the design and construction of the church’s memorial garden. She served on the Vestry and was a team captain of the Altar Guild for many years. Nail is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Nick Nail; three children: Debbie Meyer of Carlsbad, California; Brian Nail of Houston, Texas; Cindy West of Glen Ellyn, Illinois; and six grandchildren. Source: Nail family

Louis Wayne Nightengale, DVM, 89, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, passed away on Dec. 18, 2020. Born in Homestead, Oklahoma, he attended a oneroom schoolhouse (independent district 162) until ninth grade. He finished his education at Fairview High School in Fairview, Oklahoma, where he showed prize-winning sheep for the Future Farmers of America and played on the high school basketball team. Nightengale earned a degree in agriculture and animal husbandry from then-Oklahoma A&M. After

college, he joined the U.S. Army. While serving, he met and later married Etta Sullivan. He left the Army in 1955 and was hired by Ralston Purina, which took the young couple to Ely, Minnesota. In 1958, when the first of their four sons was born, they moved to Yukon, Oklahoma. Nightengale was accepted at OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine earning his DVM degree in 1962. Following graduation, the couple moved to Ardmore, where Louis joined Dr. Charles Love at Town and Country Animal Hospital. The next year, Nightengale bought the practice. He divorced Etta in 1981 and in 1985, married Ann Singleton, blending their two families. Nightengale owned Town and Country for 55 years, closing the practice in 2014. He continued to be involved with Ardmore Animal Shelter until he fully retired. Louis and Ann enjoyed family, travel and living in Ardmore. Nightengale is survived by his wife Ann; his four sons, Christopher John, Douglas James, Markham Lee and Bradley Wayne; 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Source: The Daily Ardmoreite

James L. (Jim) Reynolds, DVM, 76, of Cedar Grove, North Carolina, passed away on Aug. 27, 2021, at his home. Born in Hennepin County, Minnesota, he earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1971. Now a retired veterinarian, Reynolds was also a member of Walnut Grove United Methodist Church.

Reynolds is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Reynolds; daughter, Amanda Wagstaff; sons, Jeffrey Reynolds and Jerry Reynolds; and eight grandchildren. Source: The Herald Sun

Bryan Johnston Rothlein, DVM, 43, of Lantana, Texas, passed away Nov. 11, 2021. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he grew up riding and caring for horses. He earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 2003. Following graduation, Rothlein practiced veterinary medicine at a small animal clinic in Florida. Most recently, he worked for IDEXX. Bryan fought the most courageous battle against his congenital heart disease, living life to the fullest. His sense of humor was unmatched. After nearly a month, he finally succumbed to a random blood infection. He will be missed by all the lives he touched.

Rothlein’s family is appreciative of the care he received at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, throughout his life and at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.

He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Erin Rothlein; daughter Emma (8) and son Will (5). Source: Mulkey-Bowles-Montgomery Funeral Home John McNeil Rust, DVM, 92, of Jennings, Louisiana, passed away on Nov. 14, 2019. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, he finished high school early to join the Maritime Service in 1944 where he attained the rank of Warrant Officer. At 18, he distinguished himself as the sole communications officer on merchant ships. He served in the Army as 1st Lt. Artillery during the Korean War. Following his service, he earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1958. After veterinary college, Rust returned home and established Summer Grove Animal Hospital, which expanded to Towne South Animal Hospital. He built and operated the first large animal outpatient facility in the area. During his career, he consulted for Louisiana State University Medical School and the VA Medical Hospital. For threeand-one-half years, Rust served as director of animal resources at LSU Medical School.

He was active in the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association, serving as president in 1967. He was proud to be voted by his peers as Veterinarian of the Year in 2004. Rust took a leading role in state and federal efforts to eradicate tuberculosis and brucellosis in cattle.

Rust was also interested in agriculture. With an associate, they brought the first large package hay balers to the area from Vermeer Manufacturing. He was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church. He particularly enjoyed the church’s men’s prayer breakfast and his Sunday school class. From an early age, Rust loved horses. He had wagons and surreys, driving single or in pairs, until he was in his eighties. Rust is survived by three children: Carol McClure; Vernon Rust; and Kenneth Rust; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Source: Aulds Funeral Home

Jamie Sue Burner Schrag, DVM, 64, of Oklahoma City, passed away from pancreatic cancer on Aug. 21, 2020. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, she earned her DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1982. Following graduation, Schrag opened her own veterinary practice, Schrag Animal Clinic, in Oklahoma City serving small animals and exotic pets. She loved crafts of any kind — sewing, knitting, painting or beading. She also was an avid reader and enjoyed working puzzles (crossword, jigsaw or Sudoku). Schrag is survived by her husband of 39 years, Doug; daughter Christen Foster; three grandsons and many friends. Source: Tribute Archive Bruce Allen Simmons, DVM, 74, of Hickory, North Carolina, passed away on May 21, 2020. He graduated from Hickory High School and Clemson University. He earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1970. Simmons owned and operated Hickory Animal Hospital and Springs Road Animal Hospital. He was known as a kind, caring, compassionate man and veterinarian who will be truly missed. He was also a dedicated and devoted Clemson fan and attended every game. Simmons is survived by his beloved dogs: Rocky Pup Pup, Buster Butter Bean, Boss Hawg, Russell Pete, Bosley, Opie and Waggles; his brother-inlaw Marion Roseman of Hickory; and numerous nieces and nephews. Source: Jenkins Funeral Home

Lewis Randall (Randy)

“Doc” Smith, DVM, of Pecatonica, Illinois, passed away on Sept. 19, 2021. He was 81. Born in Canton, Oklahoma, he earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1964. Following graduation, Smith served as a Captain in the U.S. army for two years. Upon discharge, Smith moved to Pecatonica and started the Pecatonica Veterinary Clinic. In 1973, Smith married Barbara Shipman. Together they provided care for a wide variety of animals within the community and surrounding areas until retiring in 1998. He was well known for his kindness, generosity, great sense of humor and his love of billiards. Smith is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara Smith, and his three daughters: Christine Shipman; Corine Papini; and Carline Shipman. He is predeceased by his parents: James and Mary Smith; and his son, Luke Smith. Source: McCorkle Ltd. Funeral Home

James Harlan Stone, DVM, of Mangum, Oklahoma, passed away on June 13, 2021. He was 87. Born in Salado, Texas, he graduated from Lawton Public Schools. He joined the U.S. Marines and served for three years including action in the Korean War.

Upon his return, Stone attended Cameron University in Lawton and then transferred to Oklahoma State University. He earned his DVM degree from OSU in 1963. In 1965, Stone moved to Mangum and opened a veterinary clinic serving the Mangum community for decades until he retired in 2018. He presided over the Greer County Cattlemen’s Association, was a Greer County Fair board member and served as deacon for more than 50 years at the First Baptist Church. Stone also ran his cattle ranch and enjoyed traveling and collecting books about historic ranches. He was an avid fan and supporter of OSU’s football team, holding season tickets for 18 consecutive years. He and his wife loved being involved

with young people and sponsored the annual 4-H Hall of Fame portrait for years. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joan; son, James David Stone; daughter, Jennifer Ritter; two grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many other family members and friends. Source: Harmon County Funeral Home

Rory Gene Stricklin, DVM, 42, of Wewoka, Oklahoma, passed away on Aug. 3, 2021. Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Stricklin grew up on his parents’ dairy farm milking cows and living the farm life. He attended Prague Public Schools where he was All State in football, an American Farmer through FFA and valedictorian. He attended OSU, completing his undergraduate work and earning his DVM degree in 2004. Stricklin started his career at Shawnee Animal Hospital and later opened his dream practice, Wewoka Animal Hospital. He served Wewoka and surrounding communities for many years. He was known for helping sick animals and volunteering including in surrounding high school FFA programs. He helped whomever needed it whether he knew the person or not. Most importantly, Rory lived for his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Jamie Smart Stricklin of Wewoka; children Dawson Dewayne, age 3, and Charlie Blake, age 2; his parents Randy and Mary Stricklin of Prague, Oklahoma; motherin-law Paula Daniel of Wewoka; father-in-law Jim Smart of Shawnee; grandmother Mary Francis Buchanan of Prague, two sisters, and many other relatives and friends.

Source: Swearingen Funeral Home

O’Hara D. Tyler, DVM, 74, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, passed away on April 5, 2021. Tyler earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1970. Following graduation, he joined a practice in southwest Arkansas. He then moved to Paradise, California, and then to Anaheim, California, working in small animal practices. He later moved to McAlester, Oklahoma, where he established a small animal practice. He retired from that practice and moved to Wilburton. Tyler was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and respective state associations. Tyler is survived by his wife, Diane Tyler; son, Daniel and daughters: Jasmine, Lily and Rose, all of Wilburton; and Rachel of Cave Creek, Arizona. Source: Tyler family

Gordon Hall Voss, DVM, 81 of Goltry, Oklahoma, passed away on June 3, 2021. Voss graduated from Goltry Public Schools in 1958 and earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1964. Voss practiced veterinary medicine in Goltry for 56 years. He invested his intellect and time in others and was rewarded with their respect regarding his ability to diagnose and cure. His intellectual curiosity heightened his amazement concerning medicine, human nature, science and discovery. Voss felt he had been given much (family and friends) and his most often used response to those needing any kind of help was, “I’ll be right there…” and he always was. Voss is survived by his wife, Jan Tyner Voss; sons Ty Voss and Dru Voss, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Source: Lanman Funeral Home, Inc.

Donald H. Vrbka, DVM, 90, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on March 23, 2021. Born in Rising City, Nebraska, he graduated from Gresham High School, where he was active in sports. He received a bachelor’s degree from Doane University, where he participated on the track team and in Delta Kappa Pi fraternity. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, achieving the rank of Airman 1st Class and was stationed in Darmstadt, Germany. In 1959, he married Margaret (Peg) Hastreiter. Vrbka earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University in 1963. He practiced with Dr. N. L. Ditman in Winside, Nebraska, from 1963 to 1972 and then at Augustin Brothers Feedlot in Shelby, Nebraska. In 1979, Vrbka established Platte Valley Veterinary Clinic in Columbus, Nebraska, with Dr. John Claus, joined by Dr. Phil Buhman in 1990. Don was active in numerous clubs and volunteer organizations including Catholic Prison Ministry, St. Bonaventure Men’s Choir, Knights of Columbus (4th degree), Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association (president in 1993), Elks, Rotary Club, Columbus Dance Club and Toastmasters to mention a few. He was chairman of Winside Old Settlers Centennial Celebration with more than 10,000 in attendance. Honors include Nebraska Veterinarian of the Year and “The Columbus Telegram” Father of the Year. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Peg; children Carmen Mebus of East Lyme, Connecticut; Greg Vrbka, Caroline Juliano and Claudette Vrbka, all of Omaha; seven grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Source: The Columbus Telegram

Loretta Antoinette Walker, DVM, 56, of Columbia, Maryland, passed away on Aug. 11, 2021. Born in Oklahoma City, she always wanted to become a veterinarian. Walker earned her DVM degree from OSU in 1991, the third African American to do so. Upon graduating, Walker returned to Washington, D.C., to be a veterinarian in the National Institutes of Health Veterinary Division. While waiting for paperwork, she served in an externship at the Wheaton Animal Hospital. On Oct. 5, 1991, she became ill, suffered a stroke, fell and hit her head causing a traumatic brain injury. Walker had to relearn to walk and talk and retrain at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. It took 10 years for her full recovery and the ability to gain her independence and work in her beloved field of veterinary medicine. In 2001, Walker began working for the Food and Drug Administration Center of Veterinary Medicine in the Office of Surveillance and Compliance as a medical officer for animal medical labeling. While at the FDA, she served on the FDA’s Advisory Committee for Employees with Disabilities group, providing insight into the challenges people with disabilities face on a daily basis. Posthumously, Walker received a citation from the FDA for her work on this team.

Walker was very involved with three congregations — Grace Lutheran Church (Washington, D.C.), People’s Baptist Church (Washington, D.C.) and St. John Baptist Church (Columbia, Maryland) serving in many capacities. She loved to travel and even experienced the joy of snow skiing with the assistance of a special apparatus. In April 2021, it was determined that Walker was suffering from a tumor of the brain. Her family brought her home where she was lovingly cared for, around-the-clock, by her mother and a livein care attendant, Moji. Her life story is a testament of great faith, hope, love and miracles in the face of many challenges. She enjoyed her life, loved her family and friends and lived in her faith. Walker was preceded in death by her father, Anthony Wayne Walker. She is survived by her mother, Otha Loretta Walker of Columbia; sister, Charlotte Walker Peralta of Atlanta, Georgia; aunt Constance Johnson, cousin Omar Bostic and a host of close cousins, family and friends from around the country. Source: Gasch’s Funeral Home

Raymond (Gene) White, DVM, 90 of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on May 28, 2021. Born in Elana, West Virginia, he was a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Korean War. In 1960, White earned his DVM degree from Oklahoma State University. He retired from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and served as a military honor guard. White is survived by his girlfriend Mary Lou Chapek of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska; daughter Janice Richert of Fremont, Nebraska; son Keith White of Valparaiso, Nebraska; two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Source: Lincoln Journal Star

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The most rewarding experience for me was when I learned I was accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine, which provided me the career opportunity I had always wanted. As Life Members of the OSU Alumni Association, my wife and I are always glad to support its mission bringing OSU graduates together and bringing them home.

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