Merrill Townley

  • City:Chamois
  • State:MO
  • Biography:

    Dr. Merrill M. Townley was born September 12, 1934, on the family farm near Chamois which has been in the family since 1832. He was born in the house where he later raised his family and where he lived until the house burned on July 28, 2012. He was united in marriage to Norma Jean Pardun of Gilman City, MO on July 20, 1963. Together they raised three children: Greg, Bruce, and Brenda.

    Dr. Townley graduated from the University of Missouri- Columbia in 1960 with a BS degree in Agriculture and from the University of Missouri-Columbia's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1963 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. 

    He raised hogs and cattle as he worked his way through college and continued to raise cattle as he practiced veterinary medicine throughout his career in Osage, Gasconade, Cole, Miller, Callaway, Moniteau, Montgomery, and Maries Counties. 

    His military service began with his enlistment in the Army Reserve in 1957. He served in the field artillery and as the state veterinarian for the Missouri National Guard where he conducted food inspection for Guard posts in the state. He also participated in medical missions to Guatemala and Bolivia. He completed a total of 24 years in the Army Reserves and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 

    He served in the Missouri Legislature as a State Representative for 20 years during the period of 1982 to 2004. 

    Dr. Townley’s dedication to the greater good of society was demonstrated through his leadership in organizations such as the Chamois Lions Club, Osage County Ambulance Board, Chamois School Board, Missouri Cattlemen's Association, MFA, Missouri Farm Bureau, American Legion, and the Osage County Historical Society. 

    Dr. Townley authored “The Strangest Species: Observations of People by a Country Vet” and “A Ride with a Country Vet.”

    Dr. Merrill M. Townley, 78, Chamois, Mo., died Nov. 6, 2012.

Veterinary Honor Roll Honoree

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