Lawrence "Doc" W. Stauffer

Dr. Lawrence W. “Doc” Stauffer, 87, of Delphi, passed away peacefully from complications of Amylodosis just after 9:00 am on Sunday, September 29, 2024, in Delphi surrounded by his family. He was born on January 18, 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late William A. and Ruth V. (Boker) Stauffer.  His family lived in Mentor, Ohio until moving to Perry, Ohio in 1944.

He graduated from Perry High School in 1954 and from Purdue University with a BS in Horticulture/Vegetable production in 1958.  While at Purdue, Larry was an ROTC cadet and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army in May, 1958.  He was stationed in Fort Eustis, VA, Augsburg, Germany, and Fort Benning, GA.  He served until August, 1968, achieving the rank of Major(Brevet).

Larry married Lillian Kathleen Wilkison on May 29, 1958 in the University Presbyterian Church in West Lafayette.  They enjoyed nearly 52 years of marriage before Lillian preceded him in death on March 27, 2010.

He graduated from the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in May, 1967, and went to work for Dr. Herbert Mueller in a dairy cattle and racehorse practice in Goshen, NY.  In December of 1968, he purchased the Delphi Veterinary Clinic, treating 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.  Doc worked passionately in his clinic for over 55 years, working 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.

Doc’s service to his community and profession include being a member of the Delphi Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees, serving several years as president; the Carroll County Board of Health, serving many years as chairman, Councilman-At-Large of the Carroll County Council, the Indiana State Board of Veterinary Examiners, serving as chairman; the Indiana Controlled Substance Advisory Committee, Member of the Indiana Swine Health Advisory Committee; member of the Advisory Committee to the Purdue Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, and member of the district, Indiana and the American Veterinary Medical Associations.  He was inducted into the Carroll County Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2001, named Indiana Veterinarian of the Year in 2008, received the Certificate of Distinction from the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association, named a Distinguished Alumni of the Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine, and was appointed by the governor to serve on the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. 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.

In his free time he 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. Doc was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Delphi, and had served as a deacon and an elder.

Doc is survived by his children, Bill Stauffer of Flora, Liesl Vaughan of Fort Dodge, IA, and Ben (Tina) Stauffer of Lafayette; sister Nancy Shephard of South Bend; grandchildren Colin (Jenny) Stauffer, Brianne (Jon) Musser, Nichole (Doug) Perdue, Kelsie Stauffer, Jaime Vaughan, Justin (fiance Emily Foster) Vaughan, and Luke Vaughan; great-grandchildren Carter Stauffer and Callie Stauffer; and several beloved nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lillian, and brothers-in-law Carlyle Kavadas and Dr. William Shephard.

A funeral service honoring the life of Dr. Stauffer will be held at 11 am, on October 4, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church in Delphi, where Military Rites will be performed.  Friends may visit with the family on Thursday evening, October 3, 2024, from 4-8 pm at Davidson-Shirey Funeral Home, 121 North Union Street in Delphi.  Private family burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Doc’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Carroll County 4-H.

Davidson-Shirey Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolences may be made online at www.davidsonshireyfh.com.