February 01, 2020

AVMA member

AVMA honor roll member

Nonmember

James R. Allen Jr.

Dr. Allen (Georgia ’55), 91, Mars Hill, North Carolina, died June 9, 2019. Following graduation, he worked in a research capacity with Central Soya Co. in Decatur, Indiana. After earning his doctorate in pathology in 1962 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Allen joined the faculty of the university’s School of Medicine and Public Health, eventually becoming a professor. He also served as a senior scientist at the university’s Wisconsin National Primate Research Center.  

In 1980, Dr. Allen retired from the university and established a veterinary practice in Mars Hill, serving the community for more than 30 years. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Dr. Allen is survived by three sons, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a sister.

Doyle L. Beavers

Dr. Beavers (Texas A&M ’67), 88, Fort Worth, Texas, died Sept. 18, 2019. He owned a small animal practice in Austin, Texas. Dr. Beavers was a member of the Texas and Capital Area VMAs. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of West Austin and a Paul Harris fellow. He served two years in the Army Veterinary Corps prior to enrolling at Texas A&M. Dr. Beavers is survived by his wife, Jo Ann.

Leroy E. Friesen

Dr. Friesen (Iowa State ’68), 79, Menno, South Dakota, died Sept. 10, 2019. He owned Friesen Veterinary Clinic in Menno for over 45 years. Dr. Friesen is survived by his wife, Donna; two sons and two daughters; 13 grandchildren; and four brothers and four sisters. Memorials may be made to Menno-Olivet Care Center, 402 S. Pine St., Menno, SD 57045.

David R. Glynn

Dr. Glynn (Ohio State ’62), 82, Rocky River, Ohio, died June 9, 2019. A small animal veterinarian, he owned Cleveland Animal Hospital in Cleveland until 2010. Dr. Glynn was a longtime member of the West Park Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania Historical Train Society. Dr. Glynn’s wife, Ruth; a daughter; two grandchildren; and three brothers and a sister survive him. Memorials may be made to Rocky River United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 19414 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH 44116, or Cross Roads Hospice, 9775 Rockside Road, Suite 270, Valley View, OH 44125.

Patrick E. Kelley

Dr. Kelley (Cornell ’55), 87, Horseheads, New York, died Sept. 3, 2019. He worked as a meat inspector for the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service for five years prior to retirement. Earlier in his career, Dr. Kelley taught at the University of California-Davis and practiced small animal medicine in California and New York for more than 40 years.

His five sons and nine grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to Horseheads Community Animal Shelter, 150 Wygant Road, Horseheads, NY 14845.

Harold A. Kjar

Dr. Kjar (Iowa State ’43), 99, Auburn, Alabama, died Sept. 9, 2019. Following graduation, he owned a practice in Lexington, Nebraska, for 25 years. Dr. Kjar then joined the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine as an associate professor and head of the ambulatory unit. In 1978, he became part of the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, serving as extension veterinarian at Auburn University until retirement in 1986.

A member of the Alabama VMA, Dr. Kjar was named Veterinarian of the Year in 1983. His three daughters, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two sisters survive him.

Hans D. Rehe

Dr. Rehe, 86, Loma Linda, California, died Sept. 10, 2019. After graduating in 1962 from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover in Germany, he moved to the United States. Dr. Rehe subsequently established Highland Avenue Veterinary Clinic in San Bernardino, California, where he practiced small animal medicine until retirement in 1990. He is survived by a son and a daughter.

Avery L. Smith

Dr. Smith (Cornell ’64), 80, Kingston, New York, died Oct. 16, 2019. In 1980, he established Hurley Veterinary Hospital in Hurley, New York, where he practiced small animal medicine until retirement in 2000. He then worked part time for local animal welfare organizations until 2016. Early in his career, Dr. Smith served as an associate with Hoppenstedt Animal Hospital in Rosendale, New York.

He was a member of the New York State VMS and Hudson Valley VMS. Active in his community, Dr. Smith was a past president of Friends of Historic Kingston and a member of the Kingston Academy Board of Trustees. His wife, Marystephanie; two sons; a grandchild; and two brothers survive him. Memorials may be made to Friends of Historic Kingston, P.O. Box 3763, Kingston, NY 12402.

Cyrus J. Starch

Dr. Starch (Iowa State ’53), 89, Wild Rose, Wisconsin, died Oct. 10, 2019. Following graduation, he established Starch Pet Hospital, a small animal practice in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Starch founded a second practice in 1976 in Clive, Iowa. In the 1970s, he also began a career directing animal laboratory facilities, first for the veterans hospital in Des Moines and later for what is now known as Des Moines University. Dr. Starch served as veterinarian for the zoo in Des Moines for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; a daughter, two sons, and a stepson; four grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister. Memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Fund, UW Foundation, U.S. Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278, or Humane Society of Portage County, 3200 Iber Lane, Plover, WI 54467.

Larry P. Thornburg

Dr. Thornburg (Texas A&M ’70), 72, Columbia, Missouri, died Sept. 29, 2019. Following graduation and after earning a doctorate in 1974 in histochemistry from the University of North Carolina, he joined the faculty of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. During his tenure and until retirement, Dr. Thornburg served as a veterinary pathologist and was an associate professor of veterinary pathology. He was a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

Dr. Thornburg’s wife, Frances; three daughters and a son; seven grandchildren; and a brother and a sister survive him.

James C. Wilson

Dr. Wilson (Texas A&M ’64), 79, Cleburne, Texas, died Sept. 14, 2019. Following graduation, he served in the Army, attaining the rank of major. Dr. Wilson then established Rhema Veterinary Service in Arlington, Texas. He later founded Alamo Pet Clinic in Arlington, where he practiced until retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Vesta; five children; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Addy’s Hope Adoption Agency, 1101 W. Illinois Ave., Midland, TX 79701.