Dr. Herschel J. Chudomelka

Dr. Herschel J. Chudomelka, age 99 of Ozark, died June 24, 2026. He was born May 9, 1927 in Dodge, Nebraska, the son of Stanley and Blazena (Dlouhy) Chudomelka.

Herschel graduated from Iowa State University with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1950 where he became a member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. He began practicing in Ozark in 1951.

On January 29, 1951, he was united in marriage to Ethel Rae Pearce. Ethel preceded Herschel in death on November 1, 1999, after 48 years of marriage.

Herschel was a well-known veterinarian for many years in Ozark. He was a member of the International, American, and Missouri Veterinary Associations, Christian County Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a founding member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Ozark. Herschel continued to farm his whole life. One of his favorite chores on the farm was raking hay. He recently finished the spring raking a few weeks ago.

In June 2000, he married Doris (Henderson) Masters. Doris preceded Herschel in death on August 18, 2024, after 24 years of marriage.

Herschel was also preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers, Stanley, Jr. and Richard.

Survivors include: Tom Chudomelka (Joni) of Ozark; Karen Anderson (Bruce) of Ohio, Julia Faber (Tim) of Columbia, Lynne Clemens (Peter) of North Carolina, Ketta Kennedy of Panama, and Laura Samuel (Greg) of Fordland; step-children Buzz Masters (Gere) of Springfield, Susan Masters (Larry Schmidt) of Colorado, Curt Mottesheard (Mary-Jane) of Elkland and Jo Lewis (Randy) of Tennessee; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.

A funeral mass for Herschel Chudomelka will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Ozark, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Father Timothy Tran officiating.

A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at Weaver Cemetery, Ozark.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.