Franklin John Fishburn

Dr. Franklin John Fishburn, 90, of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2012 with his loving family at his side. He was born November 18, 1921 to Glen Barton Fishburn and Hazel Huston Fishburn. Frank attended grade school through high school in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. He furthered his education attending Ft. Hayes State College where he met his future wife, Fern Renberger. They were married on September 19, 1942 in LaCrosse, Kansas. During the war, Frank was a final inspector at an airplane factory in Oklahoma City, OK. Frank then attended Kansas State University where he received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1949. He and his family then moved back to Medicine Lodge where he practiced as a veterinarian from 1949-1966. Frank then taught at the KSU Veterinary School as an Equine Clinician from 1966-1968. Missing private practice, he started the Westside Veterinary Clinic and practiced there from 1968 until he retired in 1985. During this time, he also taught at the Nigeria Veterinary School. In 1968, Frank earned his private pilots license. He enjoyed many happy hours flying his airplane with Fern as his co-pilot. Frank had two articles published in the AVMA journal and other articles in several trade journals. He was a member of the AVMA, AAEP, AAHA, and the KVMA, where he served as treasurer for ten years. Frank was active as a Mason and a Shriner as well as serving in the Lions and Rotary Clubs. He also served as an Elder at the First Christian Church of Manhattan. In 1988, Frank was honored as Kansas Veterinary of the year. In 1993, Ardmore, Oklahoma became home to Frank and Fern where they kept their horses, cattle and their airplane. He also began practicing veterinary medicine part time. Frank and Fern moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma in 2001 where they enjoyed spending time with their family and traveling. They also became active and faithful members of Boulevard Christian Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Fern; sister, Marguerite Barncord; and daughter, Arlene Goble. Frank is survived by his children, Dr. Casey Fishburn and wife Jan of Muskogee, Anita Fishburn Klag and husband Tom of Edmond, OK.; grandchildren, Lindsay Fishburn of Lynchburg, VA., Lauren Fishburn Lee and husband Garrett of Manhattan, KS., Braden Fishburn and wife Courtney of Stillwater, OK., Kyle Fishburn and wife Jessica of OKC, OK., Chris Klag and wife Megan of Shakopee, MN., Allison Klag Crutchmer and husband Wes of Red Wing, MN., Matthew Klag of OKC, OK., and Lance Goble and wife Lynn of Redding, CA. Family requests that memorials be made to Boulevard Christian Church, 1700 W. Shawnee, Muskogee, OK., 74401.

Franklin John Fishburn

November 18, 1921 - July 18, 2012