Dr. J.D. Vater

It is with a deep and profound sadness that the family of Dr. J.D. Vater announces his passing at the age of 89. He left this life on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, Mo., following a short illness. It should be noted that he didn’t concede his time on earth, he was taken after a battle. He had no quit in him.

Dr. Vater was born to Leo and Anna Mae (Guest) Vater on February 10, 1933, in Mendon, Mo., where he spent his early years. He graduated from Marceline High School and, after serving in the U.S. Navy from 1953-57, he attended the University of Missouri. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture, and went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the university, graduating in 1965.

He married the former Carol Sue (Susie) Widmer of Salisbury, Mo., on August 17, 1963, and she survives of the home. Other survivors include a daughter, Jan, and a son, Scott, both of Lee’s Summit, Mo. He leaves behind two sisters, Virginia Maag, of Kirksville, Mo., and Veronica (Bob) Marek of Salisbury, Mo., as well as numerous family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as three siblings, a brother, E.J. Vater, and sisters Marietta Fugate, and Kathy White.

After graduation Dr. Vater worked in Nashville, Tenn., and Memphis, Mo., before opening a veterinary practice in Moberly, Mo. in 1969. He provided care to animals in Moberly, the surrounding communities and rural areas of Randolph County for nearly 50 years, before retiring in 2017. His office was located at 301 North Morley for four years, before moving to 1000 Highway 24 West in 1974. Dr. Vater and his wife ran the business together, and they had many fond memories of the people they befriended over nearly five decades in business. His recipe for success was simple, work hard, be honest, and treat people right.

Words of comfort and support were with the family at a visitation that was held at Cater Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Pius X Catholic Church.  Committal words and prayer, military honors, and burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The family would like to thank his primary physician, Dr. Forest Conley, and the doctors and nurses in the Intensive Care Unit at Boone Hospital Center for their care and compassion during his final days. Other doctors include the team at Missouri Cancer Associates, especially Dr. Uma Ramadoss, as well as the doctors and staff at the Missouri Heart Center, Dr. William Woods, and Dr. Joss Fernandez.