of Sherwood, AR
September 21, 1934 - June 10, 2023
Thomas C. Eubanks, DVM, age 88, of Sherwood passed away June 10, 2023.
Born to Cleetus Clinton Eubanks and Myrtle Ward Eubanks in North Little Rock, Arkansas on September 21, 1934, the eleventh child in the family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 67 years, Donnie Sue (Folsom) Eubanks; sisters, Helen (Mrs. Harold) Eubanks Gordon, Grace (Mrs. Tom) Eubanks Gray, Martha (Mrs. Joe) Eubanks Pariesa, Caroline (Mrs. Robert) Heckathome, Trevanell Alma Eubanks and Lily Oneal (Lawrence) Hindman; brothers, Herman Eubanks, John M. (Rose) Eubanks, Henry Forster and Edwin L. (Ethel) Forster.
Dr. Tom is survived by his two sons, Dr. Steven Ward Eubanks (Doreen Judy Eubanks) and Mark Lewis Eubanks; his grandchildren, Thomas Chase Eubanks (Allyson Nicole Eubanks), Jackson Price Eubanks; great-grandchildren, Grady Jo'el, Griffin Baker, Grier McKenzie and Grace Marie.
A special thanks to his caregivers, Kelsey Victory and Rita Sullivan.
He attended high school at North Little Rock, graduating in 1952. He received his B.A. and B.S. Degrees from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma and continued on to receive his Doctors Degree in Veterinary Medicine from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University in 1971.
Dr. Eubanks practiced for thirty years in North Little Rock, Arkansas before retiring from practice in 1999. He practiced for several more years in Jacksonville, Arkansas with his son, Steve.
He had built veterinary practices in Jacksonville, Gravel Ridge and Sherwood in conjunction with his Small Animal Clinic in the Levy area of North Little Rock. During his years in the Veterinary Profession, Dr. Tom served in every office of local, county and state Veterinary Medical Associations and was awarded the 1997 Arkansas Veterinarian of the Year by his peers. Dr. Tom had served for seven years as peer assistance representative to drug and alcohol abusers in his state association (one of the few non-abusers to serve in that capacity). He was elected to serve on the American Veterinary Medical Association's Group Health and Life Insurance Trust in 1996 and served continuously until June 2007, the first Veterinarian from Arkansas to serve on Trust National Association Level.
Dr. Tom served in the United States Army for three years and later served eight years in the Arkansas National Guard. He entered the Army in January, 1955 and was assigned to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for Airborne Infantry training with the 101st Airborne Infantry Division. He went on to Finance School at Ft. Ben Harrison, Indiana from which he graduated in 1956. He was assigned first to 2nd Army Headquarters at Fort Meade, Maryland and then to the 7th Infantry Division in Korea, where he was honored by being selected Soldier of the Year and feted by the President of South Korea. He returned to Arkansas after his discharge and transferred to the Arkansas National Guard where he was attached to the State Headquarters Detachment and served the Adjutant General of Arkansas as the State Publications Officer for six years.
Active in AA and NA for peers in the Veterinary Profession, Dr. Tom was active in local AA and NA for Youth. He was a member of Sylvan Hills Community Church for sixty-five years, was active in his Sunday School, Choir and served on the Church Governing Board for thirty-eight (+) years.
Of all his activities during his lifetime, Dr. Tom loved traveling with his wife, Donnie and his grandsons, Chase and Price, more than anything. They had managed to see almost every state during his association with the AMA and most annual meetings were accompanied by his grandchildren. Family time was so important to him and the "building of memories" was a great endeavor in his family. He was interested in Genealogy, horticulture, fishing, animal welfare and hunting, a passion he shared with his son, Steve and his two grandsons, Chase and Price. They had belonged to the same hunting club in Cornerville, Arkansas since the grandchildren were born and each November was a new experience for all of them.
Christmas time was always special in his home. He loved doing the house and his church over for the Celebration of Our Lord's birth. It was a tradition to decorate his home first, then the Church. He hosted the annual Choir's Christmas for as long as anyone can remember and it was a new Christmas that greeted the group each year. Dr. Tom always depended on his wonderful wife, Donnie, to keep him a little settled down when it came to decorating the Church. He often said he got a little "gaudy for God" if Donnie wasn't around, but he loved soft lights and greenery and loved to make the church serene and beautiful at that time of the year. Dr. Tom helped with another tradition at Sylvan Hills Community Church. He bought a portable sewing machine soon after Brother Tim McMinn came to the church and when his wife, Sharon, began using the Choir to do Christmas and Easter Drama's, Dr. Tom designed and produced costumes for each production. In the end, there were several sewing machines there, some donated by church members, but all well used. One play with sixty members almost ended Dr. Tom's production career, but help from his niece, Karen Malmquist, salvaged it. He went on to do many more dramas after that and will be sorely missed by the Choir and Drama department.
Dr. Tom is also survived by the mother of his grandchildren (Chase and Price), Regina Elizabeth (Baker) Eubanks and by his special niece, Glenna Butler of North Little Rock.
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and funeral services Thursday, June 15th at 10:30 a.m., both at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock. Interment will follow at Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery.
Tom and Donnie Eubanks were wonderful Arkansas friends when we were in vet school at Oklahoma State. They were two years ahead of us I believe, and so much fun when we all got together once a month for our Omega Tau Sigma parties. Harriett and I were welcomed into that group and celebrate both Tom and Donnie being there for us and as colleagues and friends all these years.
so sad to hear of the passing of my classmate.it was an honor to have known tom ken gunkel
I am sorry to hear of your loss. My sincere condolences.
Dr Tom was such a wonderful example for how to serve selflessly in our veterinary association. He single-handedly got a planeload of DVMS , families and friends to Puerto Vallarta , Mexico 🇲🇽 in August 1994 for a summer meeting that was epic. Our 3 well grown children talk about it to this day.
You will be missed, Dr Tom
Mike Liles
Tom was a friend and one of my Students at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. I loved his attitude and jovial demeanor. He brightened the room and day of all he came in contact with! As guessed, he had a wonderful career and life with family, clients and friends. Thanks, Tom for being who you were!
So sorry to hear of Tom’s (Papa Tom as I knew him) passing. Every memory I have of Sylvan Hills Community Church had Tom and Donnie in it. From the hugs every week at church to the summer youth pool parties at their house to Christmas choir parties and so many more times there was no limit to the fun when you were around them. After I got married and moved away to Texas he would still keep in touch by Facebook or would make it a point to say give me a huge hug when I would come to town for a visit. He made me feel like family and I sure loved him and his whole family. I know he, Donnie and BroTim have made Heaven that much sweeter. Rest in Love Papa Tom
So sorry for ur lost.. he was such a nice man. Always enjoyed talking to him.
I’m so very sorry for your loss! Your Dad was a WONDERFUL man and a GREAT friend. If there is anything in this world I can do for you and your family Steve please let me know. You and your Dad have always been just like family to Jerry and I. Love you bunches!
Tom Eubanks was not only the finest veterinarian I’ve ever known, but also the kindest, most considerate, most up beat man I’ve ever had the privilege to be around. Dr Tom was nothing but pure goodness…I will smile every time I think of him and I will never, ever forget him. Mark and Steve___I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know that there are hundreds more of us who share in your grief. But when you’re ready to laugh again, I have the stories!
Steve and Family, so sorry to hear about Dr Tom. I know he is glad to be back with Donnie. He was certainly a tremendous asset to our profession. He and his family are in my prayers
Thomas Eubanks was a great influence in the NLR community throughout his lifetime. His children, grandchildren and friends all spoke very highly of him. He will be missed. Jeffrey and Susan Hicks
Dr Tom Eubanks was a amazing vet He saved so many of my furbabies lives He never gave up He will be missed but heaven gained a beautiful Angel My condolences to his family and friends
Doc Steve, I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of your dad. He was always so nice and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. The last time I got to visit him was working in the clinic's back yard looking for a weed eater spring, and we had a good laugh just knowing how far it went, but we found it. I will be keeping you and your family in my Prayers and thoughts. I know he will be missed by all.
I’m sure you’re with my father Donald Stanton talking about veterinary stuff in heaven â¤ï¸
Thank you, Dr. Tom. You were blessing to all who knew you.
It's a heartbreak unlike any other, to lose a loved one. I worked for Dr. Tom Eubanks in one capacity or another for over two decades, he mentored me and in many ways helped to make me the man I am. He will be missed, more than words can say.
I am so sorry to hear of my veterinary school classmates passing. He was truly one of a kind and will most certainly be missed. RIP my friend.
He was a pleasure to talk with on the phone and at meetings. I'm glad he was still in practice when I moved to Arkansas to work at the state lab. Best wishes to the family.
My condolences ðŸ™
Steve and Family,
Tom was a pleasure to know all these years.
I was able to work part time for in the veterinary clinic after I graduated from vet school. He was always positive and would brighten anyone’s day.
He’ll be missed, but know he’s with your Mom.
In Love & His Service,
Conley
Thank you for your dedication to the veterinary profession. You will be missed. RIP.
All your friends from the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association
I loved your parents, and Dr. Tom was the best vet. He let me sit in on a few surgeries during high school. I am sorry I won’t be able to attend the services this week. Sending prayers and hugs.
Perhaps around 1981 I first met Dr. Eubanks when he cared for my golden retriever. He was a kind and generous doctor and I fully trusted his care for my pets. As I read his obituary, I discovered aspects of his life I never knew, and indeed, he was a truly remarkable person. His passing is a great loss for all that knew him...and even for those that did not.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Lou Brooks
Waynesboro, VA
Mark, Steve, Regina, and family. I had the privilege growing up at SHCC. Knowing your mom and dad. They were always involved in the church, especially the music. “Doc,†as I would always call him ask me to play the piano there in 1994. Still there today . I enjoyed all the years of Christmas and Easter plays, Doc made all the costumes and decorated a lot of the sets. And the sanctuary was always especially beautiful at Christmas.
Thanks Doc for giving to the Lord. And can’t forget Chase singing all those beautiful solos. We were all blessed by those. Love you Doc I’ll see you in Heaven one day. Go rest high. Prayers for your family today.âœï¸ðŸ™â¤ï¸
Thinking of you all - Mr Tom was always so sweet and good to us in our fun college days- I know he will be greatly missed. Love to you all! Julia
I love this man do much He and his wife were our best friends for several several years we went on vacations together, and we would just sit and talk and he and BroTim would laugh and laugh and laugh for no apparent reason they were just everything was funny when they got together. we had so many special times I can’t name them all or I’d be here all day, but Tom made us family . we were his family. I will truly miss him so much but now he’s with brother Tim and Donnie and I know they are just having a ball. Heaven is so much sweeter. Tom loved Bro Tim so much and always called him “ pope†oh how I will miss him . And as big as that veterans cemetery is on Maryland, he Donnie, and brother Tim are only two rows apart. You will see Bro Tim and then two rows back and to the left there will be Tom and Donnie always close
Mark,
I only knew your dad for 1-2 years. I worked with on his knee issues. He was always so kind and thoughtful. He was a pleasure to visit and I considered him a friend.
I am so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful obituaries. He was such a nice man. I know you will all miss him terribly but what a life he lived.
Heaven gained an Angel on June 10, 2023. To me he was Uncle Tommy. Every time I was with him (which wasn’t enough times) he brought me so much joy. To hear him talk about life, Jesus and his family was truly amazing. I know he is so happy to be home and reunited with Donnie Sue but his presence will be greatly missed. Love to you all and may God grant you peace and comfort during this time. I love you all. Rhonda Eubanks
My heart is breaking with the loss of this great and much loved man. He made our lives richer and more blessed by knowing him. He will be sadly missed but ever so happily remembered! Condolences to family and all who knew and loved Dt. Tom Eubank's.
Deepest sympathy and prayers for Steve, Mark, family and friendsðŸ™ðŸ½
Dr Tom was my friend ðŸ™ðŸ½
May he Rest In Eternal Paradise !
Mark,
We are so sorry for your incredible loss. Over 20 years ago we became friends. You’ve spoken so often about your dad and things like your annual trips to southern Texas.
I know you will feel lost for some time. We are all here for you. We love you, Angie Taylor Lasiter
May God's Blessing be with all of you during this time of solace. Take comfort in knowing that little by little all of your dads group is getting together for a BBQ with the heavenly father. Much LOVE AND SYMPATHY from our family.
Rest in peace, Papa Tom. You’ll be dearly missed.
You'll always be my hero, Uncle Tommy. Love you and miss you always.
Prayers for the entire family
He was a precious man I loved like a dad â¤ï¸
I will be out of town but know his funeral will be standing room only, just like those waiting in heaven