Dr. David Allen Rybolt
Dr. David Rybolt
December 8, 1946 – November 9, 2025
Dr. David Rybolt, 78, of southern Missouri, passed away after a life devoted to family, veterinary medicine, and agriculture. Born December 8, 1946, in Lawrence, Kansas, to William and Mary Alice (Turner) Rybolt, David grew up on a farm near Bedford, Iowa, where he learned the value of hard work and community. He departed this life Sunday, November 9, 2025.
He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 1972 and began his career in Barnard, Missouri, practicing alongside his close friend, Dr. Harold Hayden, for 20 years. In 1993, he opened his own clinic, later working for the Department of Agriculture until retiring in 2020. David was proud to witness Missouri’s last case of Hog Cholera and completed postgraduate work in foreign animal disease at Plum Island.
On February 28, 1974, David married Karen Patterson. They raised three children—Michael, Dana, and Ryan—and were blessed with six grandchildren. He was active in Hillside Christian Church, Barnard Christian Church, and the Graham Lions Club, serving as president for one year.
David’s fondest memories included antique tractors, fishing trip to Canada, flying to South Dakota in a small plane with one of his best friends, fishing with his oldest son, Mike, visiting his youngest son, Ryan, and family in South Korea, and traveling with his daughter, Dana, to Washington, D.C., to visit Arlington National Cemetery. He especially loved hearing stories about his grandchildren—particularly the funny ones.
David often said, “I may have had a long working career, but I never worked a day in my life.” His passion for his profession, love for his family, and joy for life left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.
David’s memorial service will be held at Hillside Christian Church (769 Hillside Loop) in Marshfield, MO on Friday, November 21st at 6:00 p.m., under the direction of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Large Animal Clinic
Hillside Christian Church, Marshfield, MO
First Christian Church, Barnard, MO
First Christian Church, Hopkins, MO
Rosendale Christian Church, Rosendale, MO