In Memory – June 20, 2024

Mary T. Baukert

Dr. Baukert (Illinois ’77), 72, Glenview, Illinois, died May 2, 2024. Following graduation, she worked a year at Misener-Holley Animal Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Baukert subsequently practiced at Bramer Animal Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, for several years. She later became certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and established Companion Animal Acupuncture in Skokie, Illinois, and worked at Riser Animal Hospital in Skokie. Dr. Baukert also founded and coordinated the Chicago VMA’s Pet Loss Helpline. She retired in 2016. Dr. Baukert is survived by her husband, Dr. Emil E. Baukert (Illinois ’76), also a veterinarian; two daughters; two grandchildren; and three siblings. Memorials may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 550, Chicago, IL 60631.

Dorsia D. Eubanks

Dr. Eubanks (Georgia ’92), 71, Roswell, Georgia, died April 13, 2024. She owned a practice providing home euthanasia services based on St. Simons Island, Georgia. Following graduation, Dr. Eubanks worked as an associate veterinarian at Crabapple Animal Hospital and at a veterinary referral dentistry practice in Alpharetta, Georgia. She later established Small Animal Relief Services, serving the Atlanta area for 15 years. Dr. Eubanks is survived by her sister.

Robert R. Filkins

Dr. Filkins (Michigan State ’59), 92, Frankfort, Michigan, died April 24, 2024. Following graduation, he established Berkley Animal Hospital in Berkley, Michigan. Dr. Filkins went on to own practices in Michigan’s Orchard Lake and Frankfort. During his career, he also conducted research involving primates used in the space program. Dr. Filkins is survived by his wife, Jane; a daughter, two sons, a stepdaughter, and two stepsons; eight grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren; and a sister and a brother.

Richard D. Hembree Jr.

Dr. Hembree (Texas A&M ’81), 67, Graford, Texas, died January 10, 2024. Following graduation, he moved to Abilene, Texas, where he owned Judge Ely Animal Hospital and Abilene Pet Regency. Dr. Hembree was also the veterinarian and curator at the Abilene Zoo and served as president of the humane society in Abilene. In later years, he practiced at Dearing Veterinary Clinic in Abilene and taught at Abilene Christian University. While at the university, Dr. Hembree helped establish a trap-neuter-release program for feral cats. He was a member of the Rotary Club in Abilene and a Paul Harris fellow. Dr. Hembree’s wife, Kaye; a daughter; and a brother and a sister survive him. Memorials, designated to the Richard Hembree Sr. Memorial Scholarship, may be made to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840.

Harold Doyle Johnson

Dr. Johnson (Georgia ’60), 87, Marietta, Georgia, died May 4, 2024. A small animal veterinarian, he established Johnson Animal Clinic in Marietta, where he practiced for almost 50 years. Earlier in his career, Dr. Johnson served in the U.S. Air Force Veterinary Corps. His three sons, three stepchildren, five grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren survive him.

Robert D. Trowbridge

Dr. Trowbridge (Cornell ’52), 97, Adams Center, New York, died March 2, 2024. Following graduation, he joined his father, Dr. W.W. Trowbridge (Cornell 1915), in mixed animal practice at Trowbridge Veterinary Clinic in Adams Center. In 1982, Dr. Robert Trowbridge took over the practice, retiring in 2015. He was a member of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society and the Central New York VMA.

Active in his community, Dr. Trowbridge served as president of the South Jefferson Lions Club and was awarded the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award and the Melvin Jones Fellowship for dedication to humanitarian services. He was also a past president of the local board of education. Dr. Trowbridge served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and was a member of the Marine Corps League. He is survived by a son, four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the South Jefferson Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 126, Adams, NY 13605, or the Adams Village Baptist Church, P.O. Box 94, Adams, NY 13605.

Karl K. White III

Dr. White (Cornell ’67), 81, Post Falls, Idaho, died March 17, 2024. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, he served as a professor of orthopedic surgery at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine prior to retirement. Following graduation, Dr. White was a partner at Valley Large Animal Hospital in Morgan Hill, California. From 1976-82, he served on the veterinary faculty of Cornell University, where he was an instructor and head of the large animal clinic. Dr. White subsequently joined the veterinary college at Washington State. His four children, 15 grandchildren, and a great-grandchild survive him.

A version of this story appears in the August 2024 print issue of JAVMA

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