Donald Roger Redman

January 21, 1936 – December 20, 2024

Donald Roger Redman DVM, 88, passed away peacefully at home in Wooster, Ohio, on December 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the cherished husband of Hallie “Sue” (Porter) Redman for 63 wonderful years. Don is survived by his son, Roger Redman DVM (Peg) of Punta Gorda, FL; daughters, Lori Redman of Westfield, IN, and Donna Hann (Charles) of Medina, OH; grandchildren, Connor Redman (Colby), Morgan Evans (Mike), Olivia and Cooper Hoberty, and Nicholas and Aubrey Hann; as well as great-grandchildren, Evelyn Evans and Gus Redman. Don is also survived by foster son, James Anderson of Smithville, OH. His legacy of love and kindness will forever be treasured by his family.

Don was born on January 21, 1936 in Eaton, Ohio, to Bernard and Golda (Blessing) Redman. A few years later, Don became a big brother to sister Barbara (Donley).  Don spent his childhood on their family farm in Reynoldsburg, Ohio where his love for animals grew and he learned the value of a productive life. In high school, Don shined both on and off the field—playing football, acting in school plays, earning the title of “Best Personality,” and serving as President of his senior class. He got to know Sue through her older brother, a teammate, and her younger sister, who was friends with his own sister. Don’s family often brought Sue and her younger sister to church, planting the seeds of faith and a lifelong connection.

Don’s love for animals led him to The Ohio State University where he earned his Bachelor’s in Animal Science in 1958 and was a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma fraternity. His relationship with Sue began when he asked her out during her senior year of high school and his senior year of college. The couple married in 1961, and Don completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Ohio State in 1962. They settled in Wooster, Ohio, where Don started his career as a research clinician at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. Over the next nine years, their family grew with the arrival of their three children. Ever ambitious, Don earned his Master’s degree in 1966 and his PhD in 1973.

During his career, Don was instrumental in laying the groundwork for embryo transfer in livestock.  He became known for his surgical skills in fistulated cattle by implanting a window in their sides that provided direct access to study digestion. After 33 years of dedicated research at the OARDC, he retired in 1995 leaving behind a legacy of accomplishment and curiosity.

Don was an active member at Wooster United Methodist Church for 62 years, many of those participating with gratitude in the Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland, “rebuilding the lives and homes of the physically and fiscally challenged”.  He served on the Board of Governors of Wooster Community Hospital for 16 years. He was a loyal member of the Wooster Noon Lions Club where he served for over 50 years and recently received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest form of recognition from Lions Club International.

Don was a quiet, humble man who found joy in life’s simple treasures, traditions, and in perfecting new skills. He loved creating memories on the farm he built for his family and cherished quiet moments on the porch overlooking the land marveling at nature’s beauty (especially his blue bird, hummingbird, oriole, & woodpecker friends). His passions—fishing excursions, antiquing, woodworking, morel mushroom hunting, mountain horseback vacations, and attending OSU football games—leave many of us with many cherished memories. Through his example he inspired his children and grandchildren to embrace creativity, adventure, generosity, and a love for the natural world.

A Memorial Service will take place at Wooster United Methodist Church, 243 N. Market St., Wooster on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation and a light luncheon following.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wooster United Methodist Church, 243 N. Market St., Wooster, Ohio 44691 or to Ohio’s Hospice  LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691, who provided the most beautiful, compassionate care, to both Don and his family, in his final weeks.

McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.