The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family is saddened by the recent passing of two alumni – Dr. Lawrence (Larry) P. Oliver (PU DVM ’64) and Dr. John R. Nease (PU DVM ’70). Dr. Oliver, of Water Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, died February 18. He was 82. Dr. Nease, of Ocala, Florida, passed away March 9. He was 75.
Dr. Larry Oliver
A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Dr. Oliver earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Purdue University in 1964 and then served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1964-1967. After his military service, Dr. Oliver practiced in Southern Indiana until 1994, when he moved to the Virgin Islands, initially living in St. Thomas and later settling in Water Island. There he joined a tight knit community, enjoyed spending time on the beach and visiting with friends, and was known as a great storyteller and friend to all he met, with his longtime canine companion, Susie, at his side. He also enjoyed reading, watching ball games, and building and repairing things.
A celebration of Dr. Oliver’s life is scheduled for April 9 at Walt’s Pub and Grill in West Lafayette, Indiana from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Nanna Baby Home in St. Thomas, the Humane Society of St. Thomas, or Water Island Search and Rescue. Funeral arrangements were under the care of the Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Center of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Memories may be shared at www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com.
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Dr. John Nease
Dr. Nease was born in Indianapolis and attended Scecina Memorial High School. After graduation, he enrolled in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and earned his DVM degree in 1970. He went on to practice veterinary medicine in Indianapolis and New Palestine, Indiana, from 1970-1978. The family then moved to Ocala, Florida where Dr. Nease worked as an owner/practitioner at the Ocala Veterinary Hospital until 1990. At that time, he began his second career as a teacher. Dr. Nease taught science and social studies at Grace Episcopal School and started the Science Department at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala in 2000. He also taught anatomy and physiology at Trinity Catholic for many years and coached basketball at Grace, as well as Little League baseball.
Dr. Nease loved teaching and enjoyed golfing and fishing. He also played the guitar and acted in several plays at the Ocala Civic Theatre. He was a long-time member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Ocala, where his memorial mass was held Saturday, March 19. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or an animal shelter, the Ocala Civic Theatre,or Blessed Trinity Uganda.
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