Dr. Richard F. "Dick" Taylor, 81, of Fayette, passed Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 at his home. Dr. Taylor was a charter and life member of the American Association of Swine Practitioners.
At the University of Missouri, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1962, earning membership in the honoraries of Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Zeta, and Gamma Sigma Delta.
He and his wife moved to Fayette where he established a large and small animal practice in 1962. He partnered with Dr. Ken Vroman for over 40 years at the Howard County Veterinary Service, P.C. until his retirement on June 1, 2012.
Dick served his profession through the MO Veterinary Medical Association (Delegate to AVMA and State President), MO Veterinary Medical Academy (Charter Member and President), MU College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association (President and Committee on Admissions and Scholarship), MO Veterinary Medical Foundation Board (Charter Member); MO Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Chairman), and Professional Veterinary Products, Ltd. (Charter Member). Dr. Taylor was very engaged with assisting and encouraging students at the University of Missouri.
He was honored as MO Veterinarian of the Year, AASP Swine Practitioner of the Year, and MU College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association Alumnus of the Year.
Dick is survived by his wife; and their three children and spouses, Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight (Doug) of Lenexa, Kan., Richard F. "Rick" Taylor, Jr. (Stacy) of Columbia, and Lisa Jan Taylor Crandall (Charles) of Ashland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the First Baptist Church of Fayette, 4-H Foundation, or MU College of Veterinary Medicine in care of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, Mo. 65248.