The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Raymond E. Plue, who was a generous, fun-loving, adventuresome and larger-than-life alumnus. Dr. Plue passed away Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Columbia, Missouri. He was 81.
Born in Marion, Indiana, Dr. Plue enrolled as a Purdue veterinary student just a few years after the College of Veterinary Medicine opened, and earned his DVM degree in 1968. After initially working as a practicing veterinarian, he transitioned to the field of pathology and ultimately pharmaceutical research with Merck where he was a prominent contributor to research associated with ivermectin and Heartgard, helping advance the development of products important in the protection of animal health globally. His career included serving as director of Merck’s research farms in Arkansas, Missouri, and Australia, utilizing his veterinary expertise in conjunction with his commitment to scientific discovery.
Education remained important to Dr. Plue throughout his career. He and his wife Vickie established the Raymond E. Plue Outstanding Teacher Award at Purdue, honoring and supporting the educators who teach, mentor and prepare the next generation of veterinarians, while also inspiring them in research. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Plue lived out his dedication to service in multiple other ways.
As an active member of the Jaycees, he demonstrated an early commitment to community involvement and leadership. In 1968, the same year he earned his Purdue veterinary degree, he joined Rotary, which began a lifetime of service that spanned nearly six decades and crossed communities, countries, and continents. Through Rotary clubs in Wisconsin, Georgia, Australia, Arkansas, and Missouri, he formed lasting friendships and cherished the international fellowship that became an important part of his life.
A member and past president of the Rotary Club of Columbia South, Dr. Plue served as Rotary District 6080 Governor in 2010–2011. He later served as District Rotary Foundation Chair and Dean of the District’s Rotary Leadership Academy. His dedication to Rotary’s mission took him around the world, including leading international exchanges and participating in polio immunization efforts in India. In 2013, he received Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award, one of the organization’s highest honors, in recognition of his extraordinary dedication to helping others.
Dr. Plue also was known for his love of motorcycles and motorcycle riding. He combined his passion for riding with his dedication to international fellowship through the International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians. As a past president of its North American chapter and an organizer of international rides, he helped bring people together across borders.
A world traveler, Dr. Plue explored all seven continents. His love of adventure also was reflected in his involvement in the automotive community. He served as an ambassador for the Mid Missouri Corvette Club and was a lifetime member of the National Corvette Museum.
Even with his many professional achievements and extensive travels, Dr. Plue also retained a commitment to serving others close to home. Each year during the holiday season, he took time to volunteer as a Salvation Army bell ringer, exemplifying selfless serving by standing outside, inviting shoppers to do what they could to help others.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Dr. Plue had access to a wealth of fabulous stories, and couldn’t help but learn about his love for travel, motorcycling, Corvettes, Rotary, and a good cigar. Life was more fun, robust, lively and memorable whenever Dr. Plue was involved.
As shared in his obituary, “His legacy lives in the animals and people touched by his work, the leaders he mentored, the causes he supported, the friendships he cultivated around the world, and the family he loved.” He will be missed dearly and remembered warmly by all who were blessed to know him.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com. A complete obituary is available here.
