In Memory - May 2022
Published: 28 Apr 2022
AVMA member | AVMA honor roll member | Nonmember | Student
James G. Aftosmis
Dr. Aftosmis (Ohio State ’65), 85, Newark, Delaware, died Nov. 11, 2021. He was in private practice before working for DuPont Stine-Haskell Research Center in Newark for almost 30 years. Dr. Aftosmis retired in 1994 as director of the facility. During his career, he also served as a racetrack veterinarian.
Dr. Aftosmis was a member of the Delaware VMA. His wife, Carol; two sons and a daughter; six grandchildren; and a sister and a brother survive him. Memorials may be made to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, 1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173.
Robert G. Armstrong
Dr. Armstrong (Ohio State ’58), 88, Shreve, Ohio, died Aug. 2, 2021. He practiced small animal medicine in Louisville, Ohio, prior to retirement. Dr. Armstrong was a member of the Louisville Rotary Club. He is survived by a son, a daughter, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a brother, and a sister. Memorials may be made to Shreve Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 587, Shreve, OH 44676.
Thomas L. Barber
Dr. Barber (Auburn ’58), 87, Littleton, Colorado, died Sept. 12, 2021. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, working at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center. Dr. Barber subsequently earned his master’s and doctorate in microbiology from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and worked at the animal disease research laboratory at the Denver Federal Center. He retired in 1985.
Dr. Barber is survived by his life partner, Helen Santilli; two sons and a daughter; and three grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Wild Animal Sanctuary, 1946 County Road 53, Keenesburg, CO 80643.
John C. Burns
Dr. Burns (Cornell ’59), 88, Henrietta, New York, died Feb. 12, 2022. A small animal veterinarian, he was the founder of Henrietta Animal Hospital. Dr. Burns was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by two daughters, a son, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Ansley P. “Bill” Carney III
Dr. Carney (Auburn ’68), 77, Meridian, Mississippi, died Sept. 2, 2021. Following graduation, he moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where he established North State Animal Hospital. In 1983, Dr. Carney founded Poplar Springs Animal Hospital in Meridian. He later established Animal Medical Supply in Meridian. Dr. Carney is survived by his wife, Harriette; two daughters and a son; and three grandchildren. His son, Dr. Ansley P. “Chip” Carney IV (St. George’s ’04), owns Poplar Springs Animal Hospital. Memorials may be made to the Lauderdale County Animal Control Shelter, c/o Rocky Rockette, 6100 Rocky Lane, Marion, MS 39342.
Donald R. Cihak
Dr. Cihak (Iowa State ’59), 87, Freeport, Illinois, died Feb. 2, 2022. Following graduation, he practiced in Dubuque, Iowa, until 1965. Dr. Cihak later practiced in Washington, Illinois, for 40 years until retirement. He served on the board of directors of the Illinois State VMA and the Woodward County 4-H Club. Dr. Cihak’s wife, Fran; two sons and a daughter; and four grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to Central Illinois Riding Therapy, 305 Neumann Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611, or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.
G. Jay Crissman
Dr. Crissman (Ohio State ’74), 75, Elkins, West Virginia, died Nov. 19, 2021. Following graduation, he established Beverly Pike Veterinary Clinic, a small animal practice in Elkins. Dr. Crissman was also active with the Fairmont Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Fairmont, West Virginia, and the Randolph County Humane Society. A past president of the West Virginia VMA, he twice served as West Virginia’s delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates.
Dr. Crissman is survived by his wife, Karen; two sons and three daughters; eight grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and a brother and a sister. Memorials may be made to the Randolph County Humane Society, P.O. Box 785, Elkins, WV 26241.
Tiffany L. Delzell
Dr. Delzell (Iowa State ’93), 54, Jefferson, Iowa, died Jan. 29, 2022. She owned a practice in Gowrie, Iowa, until 2020. Earlier, Dr. Delzell served as a relief veterinarian in Gowrie and Fort Dodge, Iowa. Her husband, Dean; two daughters and a son; three grandchildren; her parents; and a brother survive her.
Louis J. Diluzio
Dr. Diluzio (Ohio State ’67), 81, Miami, died Aug. 18, 2021. He practiced small animal medicine in Miami. Dr. Diluzio is survived by his family.
Thomas S. Eshbach
Dr. Eshbach (Minnesota ’96), 59, Fredericksburg, Virginia, died Jan. 11, 2022. He owned TLC Home Veterinary Services, a house call practice. Dr. Eshbach is survived by his wife, Roseann, and two brothers. Memorials may be made to Lifepoint Church, 1400 Central Park Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA 22401, or the Stafford County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 140 Andrew Chapel Road, Stafford, VA 22554.
Lester E. Fisher
Dr. Fisher (Iowa State ’43), 100, Hayward, Wisconsin, died Dec. 22, 2021. From 1962 until retirement in 1992, he served as director of the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, where he began as the zoo’s first veterinarian in 1947. As director, Dr. Fisher focused on education, conservation, and animal welfare. He established the great ape house at the zoo, now known as the Dr. Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. Dr. Fisher also founded Farm-in-the-Zoo, incorporating domestic farm animals and play-based learning stations. Earlier in his career, he served in the Army during World War II and had a private practice in Berwyn, Illinois.
Dr. Fisher was a past president of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians and was a past trustee of the Morris Animal Foundation. In 1994, he received the Order of Lincoln Medallion, Illinois’ highest honor for individual achievement. In 1996, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums honored him with the R. Marlin Perkins Award. Dr. Fisher is survived by two daughters, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Lincoln Park Zoo, 75 Remittance Drive, Department #92085, Chicago, IL 60675; Doctors Without Borders, 40 Rector St., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10006; or Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.
James F. Fleming
Dr. Fleming (Illinois ’78), 68, Decatur, Illinois, died Oct. 19, 2021. During his career of more than 40 years, he established the Assumption Veterinary Clinic in Assumption, Illinois, and operated the Decatur Area Mobile Clinic. Dr. Fleming is survived by his wife, Lynette; a son and a daughter; a grandchild; and a sister. Memorials may be made to Christian County Animal Control, 300 S. Baughman Road, Taylorville, IL 62568.
Dewey F. Gillett
Dr. Gillett (Kansas State ’63), 87, Leavenworth, Kansas, died Feb. 7, 2022. Following graduation, he established a practice in Leavenworth, where he worked for 30 years. Dr. Gillett later taught human anatomy and physiology at Kansas City Kansas Community College and served as a relief veterinarian. He was a past president of the Leavenworth County Health Department board of directors. Dr. Gillett is survived by his wife, Donna; two sons; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a brother.
Robert B. Goodin
Dr. Goodin (Illinois ’58), 87, Virginia, Illinois, died Jan. 27, 2022. He founded Cass Veterinary Services in Virginia, practicing mixed animal medicine for more than 40 years. Dr. Goodin also co-owned a family hog business and Cass Meats, a slaughter and processing plant and retail meat market in Virginia. He was active with 4-H and the National FFA Organization, receiving an Honorary State FFA Degree from the Illinois FFA. In 2018, the Poland China Swine Association honored Dr. Goodin with a Distinguished Service Award.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; three daughters and a son; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the scholarship fund of Virginia United Methodist Church and sent to 401 E. Broadway St., Virginia, IL 62691, or to the Robert Goodin Memorial for 4-H, Cass County Fair Board, 649 S. Job St., Virginia, IL 62691.
Richard D. Hefley
Dr. Hefley (Oklahoma State ’87), 61, Wellington, Kansas, died Feb. 12, 2022. He owned Arrowhead Animal Clinic in Wellington for more than 30 years. Dr. Hefley was active with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a Scout Master. His wife, Kim; two sons and a daughter; a grandchild; and a brother survive him. Memorials toward the Healthy Paws Fund or the Sarcoma Foundation may be sent c/o Cornejo Funeral Home & Crematory, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, KS 67152.
Autumn Johnson
Johnson (Kansas State ’25), 21, Wasilla, Alaska, died Dec. 5, 2021. She was a first-year student at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. During her breaks from veterinary school, Johnson worked at the Tier 1 Veterinary Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska. She is survived by her parents, two brothers, and her fiancé. Memorials toward a scholarship for veterinary students may be made via contributions to jav.ma/AutumnJohnson.
Robert J. Keener
Dr. Keener (Kansas State ’98), 54, LaCrosse, Kansas, died Sept. 23, 2021. Following graduation, he practiced mixed animal medicine in LaCrosse. In 2012, Dr. Keener joined Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, as an assistant professor of animal science. In 2020, he received the Fort Hays State University Pilot Award, recognizing him as an outstanding faculty member. That same year, Dr. Keener was honored with the Werth College Award for Outstanding Teaching.
He was a member of the Kansas VMA, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and the Fort Hays State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Active in his community, Dr. Keener was a member of the Walnut City Masonic Lodge and Fort Hays Shrine Club and volunteered with the Special Olympics, McCracken Rodeo, and Rush County Fair. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Shelley Oelkers (Kansas State ’82); a daughter; a grandchild; and two brothers. Memorials may be made to the Fort Hays State University Foundation, Dr. Bob Keener Agriculture Scholarship, One Tiger Place, P.O. Box 1060, Hays, KS 67601, or the Fort Hays Shrine Club, 217 West Florence, Rush Center, KS 67575.
Jack C. Leighty
Dr. Leighty (Ohio State ’57), 95, Huntingtown, Maryland, died Oct. 22, 2021. Following graduation, he owned a small animal practice in Wheaton, Maryland, for a year. Dr. Leighty then joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, retiring in 1990 as director of the pathology and epidemiology division. During his early years with the USDA, he was a veterinary medical officer, national training officer, and chief of the laboratory branch of the federal poultry inspection program. Dr. Leighty went on to serve as assistant deputy administrator of consumer and marketing services and as director of the technical services division of the meat and poultry inspection program.
A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, he served on the former AVMA Scientific Program Committee from 1986-90. Dr. Leighty was a member of the Society for Tropical Veterinary Medicine, National Association of Federal Veterinarians, and the United States Animal Health Association. In 1991, the University of Maryland’s National Capital Area Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta honored him with the Regulatory Affairs Award. Dr. Leighty served in the Air Force during World War II. His wife, Susan Noble, and two daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to the Southern Maryland Audubon Society, P.O. Box 181, Bryans Road, MD 20616.
Aloysius A. Lenhard Jr.
Dr. Lenhard (Cornell ’61), 86, Fairport, New York, died Oct. 29, 2021. Following graduation, he served two years in the Army. Dr. Lenhard subsequently practiced at Brighton Animal Hospital in Pittsford, New York. He was active with the Humane Society of Greater Rochester and the Boy Scouts of America. Dr. Lenhard’s wife, Barbara; two sons and three daughters; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister survive him.
Laura M. Makepeace
Dr. Makepeace (Kansas State ’89), 57, Hood River, Oregon, died Dec. 19, 2021. She owned Tucker Road Animal Hospital, a small animal practice in Hood River. Dr. Makepeace is survived by two daughters, a grandchild, and her mother. Her former husband, Dr. Thomas Gilliom (Purdue ’78), is also a veterinarian. Memorials may be made to Next Door, a community-based organization focusing on children and families, and sent to 965 Tucker Road, Hood River, OR 97031, or to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203.
Conrad E. McGlamery
Dr. McGlamery (California-Davis ’54), 94, Tubac, Arizona, died Sept. 27, 2021. He owned small animal practices in Tucson, Arizona, and Telluride, Colorado. Dr. McGlamery served in the Air Force during World War II. His wife, Joan; four sons; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren survive him.
Bayne E. Miller
Dr. Miller (Georgia ’58), 89, Mocksville, North Carolina, died Jan. 23, 2022. In 1971, he established Davie Veterinary Clinic in Mocksville, where he practiced until retirement in 2003. Earlier in his career, Dr. Miller served for a few years as a veterinarian with the state of North Carolina and worked for 10 years in Mocksville prior to establishing his practice.
Active in his community, he was honored with the Mocksville Key to the City for his years of community service. Dr. Miller is survived by his wife, Emily; two sons; and four grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Davie County Public Library, 371 N. Main St., Mocksville, NC 27028.
Chester F. Palmer
Dr. Palmer (Illinois ’64), 82, Clemson, South Carolina, died Feb. 24, 2022. He owned a mixed animal practice in Malta, Illinois, for 35 years. Dr. Palmer served on the board of directors of the Illinois State VMA. Active in his community, he was a member of the Lions Club in Malta for 47 years and was a past president of the school board for the township of Malta. Dr. Palmer also represented the township on the board of directors of the DeKalb County Community Foundation. His wife, Janet; two daughters and a son; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a brother and a sister survive him. Memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st St., Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
John C. Reynolds
Dr. Reynolds (Cornell ’89), 58, Berkshire, Massachusetts, died Dec. 9, 2021. He owned Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital and Shaker Hill Pet Resort in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Early in his career, Dr. Reynolds worked in western New York and in New Jersey.
He served on the board of directors and provided his services to the Berkshire Humane Society and chaired the Pittsfield Animal Control Commission. Dr. Reynolds served in leadership roles with the Rotary Club of Pittsfield. His wife, Valeri; three daughters; his mother; and a sister and a brother survive him.
Lester Rogers
Dr. Rogers (Brandeis Middlesex ’47), 94, Siler City, North Carolina, died Aug. 27, 2021. He practiced small animal medicine in Siler City for 57 years prior to retirement. Dr. Rogers’ two daughters, a son, and a grandchild survive him. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of the United States, 1255 23rd St. NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20037, or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128.
F.T. Satalowich
Dr. Satalowich (Kansas State ’61), 86, Columbia, Missouri, died Feb. 9, 2022. Following graduation, he served as a first lieutenant in the Air Force in New Mexico, Libya, and Germany. Upon his return to the United States, Dr. Satalowich earned a master’s in epidemiology and public health from the University of Missouri and completed a residency in global epidemiology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington D.C. He then joined the AFIP.
During his 20-year career as an epidemiologist for the federal government, Dr. Satalowich worked for the World Health Organization as an epidemiology consultant to the Pan American Health Organization in South America and served as a remote sensing epidemiologist with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at the L.B. Johnson Space Center in Houston. He ended his military career as a lieutenant colonel in 1982. He later served as an epidemiologist and as state public health veterinarian with the Missouri Department of Health and was an adjunct professor in the Department of Pathobiology at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Satalowich was a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. From 1993-99, he served on the AVMA House Advisory Committee, chairing the committee during that time. Dr. Satalowich was a past president of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians and the Missouri VMA, helped establish and chaired the NASPHV’s Psittacosis Compendium, served on the NASPHV’s Rabies Compendium, and was Missouri's representative to the American Public Health Association. While serving as chair of the Columbia–Boone County Board of Health in Missouri, he engineered the passage of the no-smoking ordinance for the city of Columbia.
Dr. Satalowich received several honors, including the ACVPM Helwig-Jennings Award in 1999 and the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Alumni Recognition Award in 2003. He was also honored with the Governor’s Proclamation/Commendation for service to the state of Missouri. Dr. Satalowich is survived by two sons and a grandchild.
Fredrick P. Sattler
Dr. Sattler (Ohio State ’54), 93, Fullerton, California, died Jan. 14, 2022. Following graduation, he worked in Whittier, California, subsequently establishing Commonwealth Animal Hospital in Fullerton. In later years, Dr. Sattler founded a veterinary clinic in Big Bear Lake, California. He conducted research for several companies, evaluating and creating medical equipment for human use and co-establishing Hancock Laboratories in 1968. Dr. Sattler helped develop pig heart valves for replacement of human heart valves and helped create a porcine epidermal dressing for the treatment of severe burns in humans.
During his career, he also served as veterinary director of the cardiopulmonary research unit at the Providence St. Jude Medical Hospital in Fullerton, was an associate clinical professor of medicine at the University of California Medical School in Irvine, and served as a clinical professor of surgery at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Sattler was a charter diplomate and a past president of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. In 2007, he was honored with the ACVS Founders' Award for Career Achievement for his work in electronic monitoring of respiration and circulation in surgical patients. Active in his community, Dr. Sattler was a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Fullerton and the Rotary Club of Big Bear Lake. He served in the Navy during World War II.
Dr. Sattler is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; two sons and a daughter; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Roy A. Skinner
Dr. Skinner (California-Davis ’59), 92, Manhattan Beach, California, died Sept. 2, 2021. He is survived by his family.
Richard A. Soldner
Dr. Soldner (Ohio State ’67), 80, Parrish, Florida, died Jan. 4, 2022. Following graduation, he joined Springfield Animal Hospital, a practice owned by his father, Dr. Paul A. Soldner, in Springfield, Ohio. Upon his father’s retirement in 1981, Dr. Soldner took over the practice, where he worked until retirement in 2001. In retirement, he served as a relief veterinarian for several years.
Dr. Soldner was a member of the Ohio VMA and a past president of OVMA District 2. He also served on the board of directors of the Ohio Jersey Breeders Association. Dr. Soldner was a past president of the Clark County Fair Board, was active with 4-H, and was a member of the Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife, Deanna; a daughter and a son; and six grandchildren. Memorials toward the support of children with autism may be sent to the Susan Mosure Memorial Fund, CharitySmith Nonprofit Foundation, 13100 Filly Lane, Truckee, CA 96161.
Byron L. Wilson
Dr. Wilson (Kansas State ’67), 78, Georgetown, Texas, died Aug. 28, 2021. He served in the Army Veterinary Corps for 27 years, attaining the rank of colonel. Dr. Wilson was a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. His wife, Karen; two daughters; and two grandchildren survive him.
George P. Wilson
Dr. Wilson (Pennsylvania ’55), 94, Lewisville, Texas, died Dec. 13, 2021. Following graduation and after completing an internship at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, he joined The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, retiring as a professor emeritus in 1988. During his tenure, Dr. Wilson helped establish the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and served as chair of the Department of Anatomy.
A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, he was the first recipient of the ACVS Foundation’s Legends Award in 2005 and was also recognized as an ACVS Honored Mentor. Dr. Wilson is survived by his family.
