Oliver Davies Grace, 97, passed away May 9, 2012 at Eastmont Towers. Oliver was born December 21, 1914 in Washington, D.C., the son of Oliver J. and Gladys Grace. His childhood years were spent in various cities in Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado. He graduated from Washington County High School in 1934 where he was a member of the seven man football team and received the Walker Trophy. He continued his education at Colorado State University and received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1940. While working for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, he was assigned to the University of Illinois where he met Vera Hanawalt. They wed in 1948. In 1951 he received his Master of Science degree in animal pathology and hygiene.

In 1955, the family moved to Lincoln when Oliver accepted a position at the University of Nebraska. His primary responsibilities at UNL were in the diagnostic laboratory as a research veterinarian and teaching and advising pre-veterinary students. Among his most interesting experiences was performing over 100 necropsies on animals during the mutilation scare in the early 70s. Farmers were concerned that cattle were being killed by some sort of cult. As recognition of his assistance, he received the Our Man Friday Award from local law enforcement. In 1982 he accompanied 462 pigs to China. These pigs had been purchased by the Chinese government. Over the years Oliver received many awards in recognition of his service to other veterinarians and farmers throughout the state. He also was elected to numerous honorary societies.

Oliver was involved in a variety of other activities. He was an active member of Warren Methodist Church for many years. As a member of the Northeast Lincoln Kiwanis Club, he was named Kiwanian of the Year in 1982-3. In recognition of his Welsh heritage, he belonged to the St David's Welsh Society and served as treasurer for several years. In recognition of Vera's Swedish heritage, he also belonged to the Norden Club. As an avid Big Red sports fan, he and Vera were football season ticket holders for over 50 years and followed other Nebraska teams.

He is survived by his two children, Edward (Elizabeth) Grace of Overland Park, Kan., and Kerstin Lanser of Brookfield, Wis., and his four grandchildren, Matthew and Benjamin Grace of Overland Park and Eric (Amanda) Lanser of Minneapolis, and Jennifer Lanser of Chicago.

Memorial service: 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 14, 2012, at The Gallery at The Seasons-Eastmont Tower Community, 6305 O St. Private interment: Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorials may be made in Oliver's name to the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association's Centennial Scholarship Foundation for Nebraska students studying veterinary medicine, NVMA Centennial Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 296, Alliance, NE 69301.