The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn that a Purdue Distinguished Alumnus, Dr. Lawrence W. “Doc” Stauffer, of Delphi, Indiana, passed away Sunday, September 29. He was 87.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Stauffer earned his BS degree in horticulture/vegetable production at Purdue in 1958. During his undergraduate studies, he served as an ROTC cadet and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army in May of his graduation year. He was stationed in Fort Eustis, Virginia; Augsburg, Germany; and Fort Benning, Georgia.
He returned to Purdue to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, earning his DVM degree in May, 1967 and then going to work for Dr. Herbert Mueller in a dairy cattle and racehorse practice in Goshen, New York. Then, the following year, he purchased the Delphi Veterinary Clinic, where he treated both large and small animals. In the 1970’s, he worked with the late Dr. John Bush in developing the pseudo rabies vaccine that was produced and distributed by Nordon Laboratories.
Dr. Stauffer worked passionately at his clinic for more than 55 years, practicing daily up until late July of this year. He was extremely grateful for the relationships he made with his clients and colleagues who became lifelong friends.
Dr. Stauffer’s service to his community and profession included his role as a member of the Indiana State Board of Veterinary Examiners, serving as chairman; the Indiana Controlled Substance Advisory Committee; the Indiana Swine Health Advisory Committee; and the Advisory Committee to the Purdue Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory. He also was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.
In 2001, Dr. Stauffer was inducted into the Carroll County Agriculture Hall of Fame, and in 2008, was named Indiana Veterinarian of the Year. He also received the Certificate of Distinction from the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association, was named a Distinguished Alumnus of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, and was appointed by the governor to serve on the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. Additionally, he provided care for animals at the Indiana State Fair for many years and thoroughly enjoyed his friendships with fellow employees and exhibitors from around the state and country.
His involvement in his local community included serving as a member of the Delphi Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees, including several years as board president. He also served on the Carroll County Board of Health, including many years as chairman, and was a Councilman-At-Large on the Carroll County Council.
In his free time Dr. Stauffer enjoyed traveling, vegetable gardening, listening to music, and keeping up on world affairs. He was a faithful supporter of Purdue athletics and a long-time supporter of Carroll County 4-H. As a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Delphi, he served as a deacon and an elder.
Memorial contributions in Dr. Stauffer’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Carroll County 4-H.
The Davidson-Shirey Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolences may be made online at www.davidsonshireyfh.com.