Roll Call Tribute

(Published in) Amarillo Glove New (on) June 2, 2016

A.S. Abdullah, DVM, age 82, died May 27, 2016 in Amarillo. A memorial service followed by a reception will be held at First Baptist Church, Dalhart, Texas, on Monday, June 6, 2016, at 2:00 PM.

Albert Shaheen Abdullah, DVM, fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ, has gone home to his Lord and Savior. Dr. Abdullah was born in Hereford, Texas, June 18, 1933, to Shaheen Abdullah and Pauline (Jahay) Abdullah. Surrounded by his immediate family he passed peacefully and entered eternal rest Friday, May 27, 2016 in Amarillo, Texas. His childhood was spent in various communities in the western Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico. He attended St. Boniface Catholic School and George Washington High School in San Francisco before moving back to Amarillo and graduating from Amarillo High School in May 1950. In August 1950, he enrolled in pre-veterinary studies at Texas A&M. Dr. Abdullah graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1957. He was commissioned as a Captain in the U.S. Army and served as a tank commander at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

While a student at TAMU, he formalized his relationship with Christ and was baptized in 1956 in the Presbyterian Church in College Station, Texas. Dr. Abdullah began practicing veterinary medicine in Dumas, Texas. Soon afterward he met the love of his life Nancy Jane Anderson through mutual acquaintances. They married on June 21, 1958. Al and Nancy began their married life in Borger, Texas, and then moved back to Dumas. Daughter Luanne Abdullah and son Henry Shaheen Abdullah were born in Dumas.

In 1964, Al and Nancy moved their family to Dalhart and opened Dalhart Veterinary Clinic. His practice grew because he based his business practices on biblical principles and a strong work ethic. Besides “hands on healing” for companion pets and livestock, clients could find a safe place to stop by for free doses of: love, truth, light, grace, good humor, fun, and a Coke from the walk in cooler. Everyone who entered his clinic began affectionately calling him “Doc Al,” and that name stuck with him.

Dr. Abdullah was a creative, dedicated, energetic, and innovative leader in the field of veterinary medicine. His professional organizations include: the American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, of which he served on the board of directors 1967-1969. He cofounded the Academy of Veterinary Consultants in
1970, serving as vice president in 1973 and president in 1974. Dr. Abdullah also cofounded Panhandle Veterinary Supply. He was licensed to practice in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas. A highlight of Doctor Abdullah’s life was being selected as a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences in 2011.

Dr. Abdullah not only built a practice, he built a life in Dalhart. He and his family were faithful members of First Presbyterian Church where he served as elder. Doc Al was a member of the Rotary Club International and was in leadership at both the local and regional level. He was a member of the XIT A&M Club and served as president and muster chair. He also served as Chairman of the Corps Development Board of Texas A&M University from 1982-1986.

Doc Al was known as a servant-leader in many other capacities throughout Dalhart and the surrounding area. He served as the arena veterinarian during the XIT Rodeo and Reunion from the 1960’s to the 1980’s. From 1978-1980, he served as an XIT Director, first as treasurer/ parade chair and as president his last year. Doc Al vaccinated dogs and cats, and took care of the livestock, horses, to include their show animals for 4-H and FFA for Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch residents from 1957-1995. Because of his extensive involvement there, he was recognized as a “Pardner for Life.”

Dr. Abdullah served on the Dalhart ISD school board from 1969-1982. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and was named Citizen of the Year in 1996. He was on the La Rita Theatre Board, a HOSTS mentor, and has been an active member of the Masonic lodge since 1957. He was a current member of the Rock Island Lodge #869. He was a Past Worshipful Master, a Past District Deputy Worshipful Master, and was currently serving as Treasurer for Rock Island Lodge #869. He was a member of the Khiva Shrine in Amarillo.

Survivors include his wife Nancy, of Dalhart; daughter Luanne (Abdullah) Hicks, husband Rob Hicks of Boerne, and son Henry Shaheen Abdullah and wife Deborah Abdullah. His three grandsons are Gaven Russell Abdullah, Holden Shaheen Abdullah, and Richard Vance Hicks, who affectionately called him “Paw Paw.” He is also survived by his sisters Jenny Jones of Harker Heights, Texas; Polly Crutchfield and Emma Pechtel- Stubbs of Amarillo, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A.S. Abdullah, DVM “Doc Al” was larger than life. He served his Savior, family, his country, and community with a humble and glad heart. He continues cheering his loved ones on - now that he has joined the great cloud of witnesses. (Hebrews 12:1) A memorial service followed by a reception will be held at First Baptist Church, Dalhart, Texas, on Monday, June 6, 2016, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, the Children’s Home, 3400 Bowie Amarillo, Texas, 79109, or the charity of choice.

Amarillo Globe-News, June 2, 2016