Dr. John Reagor, Veterinary Toxicologist Emeritus
John Reagor, PhD, Veterinary Toxicologist Emeritus, passed away on April 20.
Reagor fervently served the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) as the agency’s toxicologist for 50 years. During his time at TVMDL he garnered a national reputation for his expertise of various toxins. He led TVMDL’s toxicology section to become one of the best in the country and helped develop assays that have saved the lives of countless animals.
50 years of selfless service
Dr. William Sippel, TVMDL’s first director, invited Reagor to become one of the first three staff members to work for TVMDL. In 1969, the College Station laboratory opened with Reagor as the Head of the Toxicology Section. Over the next 50 years Reagor and his staff worked tirelessly to develop a multitude of assays and methods to identify a variety of toxins. Most of the assays Reagor developed were the first of their kind and many are still in use today.
Honoring his career
Even after his retirement in 2009, Reagor served as a teacher, mentor, advisor, and friend to many in the veterinary community. In 2016 he was granted the title of emeritus for his service and dedication to TVMDL. The emeritus title is the highest honor to be conferred upon a retiree at TVMDL. Reagor is one of two TVMDL retirees to hold the title of Veterinary Toxicologist Emeritus.
Reagor was an important piece of TVMDL’s history and Texas’ agriculture and veterinary medicine communities. His career embodied TVMDL’s mission of selfless service and set the standard for veterinary toxicology in Texas and beyond.