Dr. Gordon W. Heseman, DVM, retires after 62 years of service to Taney County and beyond

BY CHRISTINE HESEMAN

After 62 years of tireless dedication, Dr. Gordon “Doc” Heseman, a cherished local veterinarian, is retiring from his practice, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service to the people and animals of Taney County. His career, rooted in compassion, hard work and a deep love for his community, will be remembered for years to come.

After a youth filled with hot rods, rodeos and family, Doc’s journey to a career began at the University of Missouri, where he earned both his undergraduate and veterinary degrees. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, serving his country with distinction. However, it was in Taneyville, Missouri, that he truly made his mark, dedicating himself to both his practice and his family.

For over six decades, Dr. Heseman not only cared for animals but built a life full of cherished memories with his wife, Carole, and their children. The couple started their family-run veterinary clinic from the ground up, working together to treat everything from dogs and cats to ponies, deer, monkeys and even bears. Carole was just as essential to the clinic’s success as Gordon, managing both the office and their busy home life with equal dedication.

Doc Heseman’s clinic became a cornerstone of Taney County, serving not just the immediate area but the outlying rural communities. He treated his patients as part of the family—whether they were domestic pets, farm animals, or wildlife in need. And the families he worked with often became lifelong friends. If you want a good story, just ask him; Doc has a wealth of them, ranging from humorous moments with local characters to tales of vigilantes and lawmen that could only happen in a close-knit rural town.

But Doc’s. life hasn’t been just about his work. He built a life outside the clinic, creating countless memories with his family and friends. Whether it is family cookouts, camping trips, or celebrating holidays like Christmas and the 4th of July, he cherishes the time spent with those he loves. He especially enjoyed trips to the creek, where he waded, fished and floated down the ripples with his kids and grandkids. Hunting trips are another passion, from deer and turkey seasons to elk and antelope hunts out West. While he couldn’t wait to go, he is always ready to come home.

His love for the outdoors and wildlife was a constant thread through his life, and his conservation efforts remain a testament to that. Dr. Heseman wasn’t just a veterinarian—he was a steward of the land, always working to preserve the natural beauty around him.

In addition to his local practice, Doc. Heseman also served as a state inspector for Missouri and Arkansas, ensuring the health and safety of both animals and people. His reputation as a fair and reliable professional extended far beyond his clinic, leaving a lasting impact on the entire region.

For all who has the privilege of knowing him, it’s clear that Doc. Heseman’s career has been built on more than just titles and years of service. His unwavering love for both animals and the people he serves forms the foundation of everything he does. His legacy is felt not only through the animals he helped but through the community he nurtures.

As he steps away from his practice, Dr. Heseman leaves behind a lasting impact that will resonate for generations. But the true testament to his career isn’t found in accolades—it’s in the stories, the countless tales of animals saved, lives changed and memories made. To understand Doc Heseman’s impact, all you have to do is ask. He’s got plenty of stories to tell.

Congratulations, Dr. Heseman, on a career well done. Taney County will forever be grateful for your service to both its animals and its people.