HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Longtime Hutchinson Veterinarian Dr. Elden Austin, 82, died Tuesday, Aug. 21.

Dr. Austin graduated from Colorado A&M University in 1959. He went immediately into the Air Force and was stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, a former United States Air Force Strategic Air Command base.

He purchased Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital in December of 1961 and was the first veterinarian in the area to focus on small animals instead of a mixed veterinary practice.

He also started KWBW’s Pet Patrol along with the late Hod Humiston in the 1960s and the Emergency Veterinarian call rotation.

He was past board president of Prairie Dunes, an avid golfer and Rotarian.

Dr. Austin was known for being caring and compassionate and retired in February of 2009 after 47 years in practice.

Services will be this Saturday, 2:00 p.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church at 17th & Main.