The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family received sad news this week that Dr. Larry K. Sunbury, a longtime veterinarian in Seymour, Ind., and friend of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, passed away unexpectedly at his home Saturday, November 9. He was 86.
Born in Richmond, Ohio, Dr. Sunbury earned his DVM degree at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1957. After graduation, he went to Seymour to work in private practice at the Seymour Animal Hospital. His career there spanned 50 years before he retired in 2007. Dr. Sunbury also served on the Indiana State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, following his appointment by then Governor Otis Bowen. He was regarded as a champion for the veterinary profession, the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, and Purdue Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Sunbury also served his community in a variety of ways. An active member of First United Methodist Church, Dr. Sunbury fulfilled such responsibilities as Youth Group leader and Junior High Sunday School teacher. He also served his community as a county councilman for 12 years and as a board member for the Seymour Board of Works, the Township Advisory Board, and the Seymour Rotary Club, where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow. A Cub Master for 18 years, Dr. Sunbury received the 1997 Distinguished Citizen Award presented by the Hoosier Trails Council, BSA.
Dr. Sunbury had varied interests, and enjoyed Grand Cayman vacations, hiking, canoeing, driving through the Muscatatuck Wildlife Refuge, Texas and Florida summer vacations with family, and attending family reunions. He tried to attend as many of his kids’ and grandkids’ school and sports events as possible and always enjoyed the annual OSU football game weekend, especially when they beat Michigan.
Funeral services were held this morning, Friday, November 15, at the Seymour First United Methodist Church. Memorials may be written to First United Methodist Church, Community Foundation of Jackson County Veterinary Scholarship Fund or the American Heart Association, in care of Voss & Sons Funeral Service. Online condolences may be given on the funeral home website at vossfuneralservice.com.