Harry Conley, DVM

Biography

Harry V. Conley, DVM, 84, of Indian Lake, Ohio passed away Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Logan Acres Care Center in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He was born in August of 1927 in Scioto County Ohio, to the late Thomas J. and Lola (Grigsby) Conley. He was preceded in death by first wife, Marilyn, both parents, brothers Hargus, Howard, Homer, Haston and sisters Prudis and Phyllis.

He is survived by his wife Lee Ellen of fifteen years; daughters Jeani (Jeff) Stahler and Lee Ann (Steve) Porter; step-daughters, Anne (Scott) McGrail, Kellie Meadows and Tricia (Dwayne) McKenzie. Harry was known as "Doc" to his grandchildren Maggie Stahler and Alex Conley (Vanessa) Stahler as well as step-grandchildren, Nick and Erin McGrail, Connor, Braden, and Kate McKenzie. A sister, Patsy Cockrell and many nieces and nephews live in Circleville, Ohio and surrounding states.

Dr. Conley graduated from Circleville High School in 1946 and went on to serve in the United States Army 88th Division Medical Corp in post-World War II in Italy. He attended The Ohio State University where he was a member of Alpha Psi Veterinary Fraternity, graduating in 1956 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine.

He moved to Belle Center, Ohio where he practiced veterinary medicine for both large and small animals for over fifty years. He served several terms as a member of the Ohio Veterinary Licensing Board and the Alumni Board. He was recently honored as one of the oldest practicing veterinarians in the State of Ohio, continuing up to the time of his illness at the end of January.

Active in civic affairs, Dr. Conley served many years on the Belle Center town council being instrumental in the development of the Belle Center Emergency Squad. He was a member of the Belle Center Kiwanis, serving as Ohio District Lt. Governor, and as the Logan County Democratic Party Central Committee Chairman. He was Past Master of the Belle Center/Bellefontaine Masonic Lodge, Past Exalted Ruler of the Bellefontaine Elks Lodge #132, a member of both the Bellefontaine and
Indian Lake Eagles (#2166 & #3615), Past Governor of the Indian Lake Moose Lodge #1533, Life Member of both the Roundhead VFW #8832 and the Lakeview AMVETS Post 29, and the Bellefontaine American Legion Post #173.

Harry enjoyed dressing as a clown to entertain children as a member of the Antioch Shrine Funster Clown Unit in Huntsville, Ohio. He was also a member of the Antioch Shrine in Dayton, Ohio. For many years, Harry dressed as Santa Claus to the delight of generations of young people. Dr. Conley was an active member of the Belle Center Methodist Church and the Indian Lake Community Church. Dr. Conley enjoyed traveling, attending school reunions, attending the Circleville Pumpkin Show and OSU football games, including the 1950 OSU/Michigan “Snow Bowl”.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Belle Center with Pastor Jim Ellington officiating. Calling hours are Tuesday, March 20, 2012, from 2 to 4 P.M. and 6 to 8 P.M. at the funeral home, where a Masonic Service will begin at 7:45 P.M. Interment will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Belle Center, with military rites conducted by the Logan County Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions in honor of Dr. Conley may be made to either Shriners Hospitals for Children 3229 Burnet Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45229-3095 or a charity of the donor's choice.

The funeral arrangements were handled by the staff of the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Belle Center.