Dr. Willis F. Witter, 94, of Richmond and Fredericksburg passed away Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. He was born in Brookfield, N.Y., and graduated as a doctor of veterinary medicine from Cornell University. Dr. Witter worked several years at a Cornell University extension on Long Island, after which he worked as a regulatory veterinarian for the state of Pennsylvania. Moving to Virginia. in 1937, Dr. Witter joined a Henrico County-based practice that treated both large and small animals for the greater Richmond area.

Duty called with World War II, leading him to service in the Army Veterinary Corps. He was honorably discharged at the rank of major. He returned to his Richmond hospital until retirement, after which Dr. Witter practiced in Fredericksburg part time for his sons, Dr. Alan Witter and Dr. Larry Witter.

Willis Witter is survived by his wife of 67 years, Rebecca Silver Witter; their two sons; Larry's wife, Betty Dean Witter; six grandchildren, Cheryl Townsend, Dian Martin, David Witter, Amy Jefferson, Carrie Witter and Jenny Murray; and three great-grandchildren, Julia Martin, and Riley and Camden Jefferson.

There will be a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Baptist Children's Home, 860 Mount Vernon Lane, Salem, Va. 24153.

Dr. Witter was a kind and gentle man who spent his life in the service of animals and mankind. We are diminished.