The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family mourns the passing of Dr. John Thomas “Tom” Ross, a member of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s fourth graduating class, who died November 3 in Danville, Ky. He was 81.
Born in Clark County, Ind., Dr. Ross came to Purdue University as an undergraduate student, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences in 1962, and his DVM degree in 1966. He worked in private practice for 55 years, doing small and large animal medicine as the owner of The Animal Clinic in Danville, Ky. After selling his veterinary clinic, Dr. Ross continued to practice large animal medicine and worked as Stockyards Veterinarian for the Somerset Stockyards.
A founding member of the Boyle County Chapter of The FFA Alumni Association, Dr. Ross served as the organization’s president and treasurer. He also was a founding member of the Boyle Co. Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and served as regional director. He held memberships in the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association, the Mule & Donkey Association, the Boyle County Goose Hunting Club, Rotary Club, and the Shrine Temple Jesters.
Dr. Ross is remembered for his love of fishing, hunting, trail riding, working with young people, and spending time with family. He also regularly planted a large vegetable garden, harvested and canned the produce, and shared his abundance with others. Dr. Ross wanted his legacy to be “mentoring the next generation, that they may be a little better than the last.”
Visitation will be held tomorrow (Saturday, November 13) from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m., followed by a 3:00 p.m. memorial service at Perryville United Methodist Church, 206 E. 2nd St., Perryville, KY. Memorial donations may be made to the Boyle County FFA Alumni Scholarship Fund, 1637 Perryville Road, Danville, KY 40422, or the Danville Boyle Humane Society, P.O. Box 487, Danville, KY 40423.
