In Memory – Sept. 15, 2022

AVMA member

AVMA honor roll member

Nonmember

Donald A. Abt

Dr. Abt (Pennsylvania ’61), 86, East Falmouth, Massachusetts, died July 27, 2022. In 2001, he retired from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine as professor emeritus of aquatic animal medicine and pathology.

Following graduation, Dr. Abt joined the faculty Penn Vet, where he taught anatomy and conducted research on bovine lymphosarcoma. He subsequently served 19 years as a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics and as associate dean of the veterinary school. From 1989-99, Dr. Abt directed the University of Pennsylvania’s former Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Medicine and Pathology at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. During his tenure, he also helped establish the Aquavet program, serving as its founding director for 25 years prior to retirement.

Dr. Abt was a past president and a lifetime member of the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine. In 1999, he was the inaugural recipient of its William Medway Award for Excellence in Teaching. His wife, Barbara, and a son and a daughter survive him. Memorials may be made to the Veterinary Student Scholarship Fund, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 3800 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, or Sea Education Association, 171 Woods Hole Road, Falmouth, MA 02540.

Jay A. Anderson

Dr. Anderson (Kansas State ’62), 87, Oberlin, Kansas, died June 1, 2022. He practiced in Oberlin for several years prior to retirement. Dr. Anderson also raised Greyhounds. Active in his community, he served on the local fair board and city council and was a member of the Rotary Club. Dr. Anderson was a veteran of the Korean War. His wife, Ann; three daughters; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a brother survive him. Memorials may be made to the Girls Recognizing Our Worth Foundation, a nonprofit organization that connects victims of domestic abuse with resources, and sent to 1545 Crossways Blvd., Suite 250, Chesapeake, VA 23320.

Scott T. Green

Dr. Green (Auburn ’58), 89, Frankfort, Kentucky, died Aug. 4, 2022. He co-owned Frankfort Veterinary Clinic, practicing mixed animal medicine for 44 years. Dr. Green twice served as president of the Central Kentucky VMA and was a lifetime member of the Kentucky VMA. He served on the board of directors of the Franklin County Health Department for 18 years. Dr. Green was active with the Boy Scouts of America for more than 50 years, serving on the executive board of the BSA’s Blue Grass Council. He was a past president of the East Frankfort Optimist Club and was a member of Ducks Unlimited.

Dr. Green received the National Eagle Scout Association’s Scoutmaster Award of Merit and the BSA’s Silver Beaver Award. He was also the recipient of the 2003 Franklin County Distinguished Citizen Award. Dr. Green’s wife, Barbara; three daughters and three sons; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a brother and two sisters survive him.

Mark Richard Hall

Dr. Hall (Tennessee ’80), 68, Maryville, Tennessee, died June 3, 2022. He owned Blount Veterinary Clinic in Maryville since 1992. Prior to that, Dr. Hall owned a practice in Sevierville, Tennessee. A member of Rotary International for almost 40 years, he was active with the Sevierville and Maryville-Alcoa chapters. Dr. Hall was also active with the Boy Scouts of America. He is survived by a daughter, a son, a grandchild, and two sisters. Memorials may be made to Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, P.O. Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764.

Theodore J. Mertens

Dr. Mertens (Missouri ’74), 72, Brodhead, Wisconsin, died July 21, 2022. He was the former owner of Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center, retiring in 2016. Dr. Mertens owned Missouri Foxtrotter horses and mules. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his son, Dr. Jason Mertens (Michigan State ’06); three grandchildren; and a brother and two sisters. Memorials toward the Sully Fund, providing veterinary care for animals in need, may be made to Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center, W1175 WI-11, Brodhead, WI 53520, or Johnson County Search & Rescue, 614 W. Fetterman, Buffalo, WY 82834.

James G. Shain

Dr. Shain (Oklahoma State ’99), 48, Wellsville, Kansas, died June 12, 2022. He co-owned Eudora Animal Hospital, a small animal practice in Eudora, Kansas. Dr. Shain is survived by his wife, Kania; two daughters; his mother; and two sisters. Memorials toward Kamo Adventures, a nonprofit organization benefiting veterans, or KC Pet Project, may be made c/o the Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Benjamin R. Stallard

Dr. Stallard (Auburn ’66), 79, Kissimmee, Florida, died Aug. 2, 2022. Following graduation, he served as a captain in the Air Force. Dr. Stallard subsequently established Middletown Animal Clinic in Middletown, Kentucky, where he practiced small animal medicine until retirement. His two daughters, four grandchildren, and three sisters survive him. Memorials may be made to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.