Dr. David Eric Lashley, DVM, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at age 81 surrounded by his loving wife of 56 and a half years Pamela, who he always called his Pammie, and his three children. Dr. Lashley was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and renowned veterinarian who never met a stranger.
Born and raised in Belleville, Illinois, Dr. Lashley knew from a young age that he wanted to be a veterinarian. As a young boy, he would frequently promise God that he would never turn away an animal in need if God would just help him to follow his dreams-a promise he kept until his dying day, helping the doctors and nurses at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis to find the right help for their pets despite his critical illness. But that is the man he was. A man who kept his promise and devoted his life to his family and the care, healing, and protection of animals-both domestic and wild-and to the people who loved them.
Dr. Lashley was a 1967 graduate of the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, and a pioneer in his field. For more than 50 years, he owned and operated Lashley Animal Hospital in Swansea, where he earned a reputation for his expertise, gentle manner, and deep compassion. He was among the first veterinarians in the U.S. to perform a Femoral Head Ostectomy-a life-saving orthopedic surgery for dogs suffering from hip dysplasia. And he held leadership roles as both President and Vice President of the Southern Illinois Veterinary Medical Association.
His dedication to his field and community extended well beyond his practice. He volunteered regularly at local elementary schools to teach children about animal care and wildlife. He founded the Veterinary Explorer Post for Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) to inspire the next generation of animal caregivers. For over two decades, he served as the sole veterinarian for Treehouse Wildlife Center, donating his time, expertise, and supplies to rescue and rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife. He also provided pro bono services to the Belleville Area Humane Society, including helping to equip them with their first microchip scanner. Throughout his career, Dr. Lashley also supported and cared for K-9 police units in Belleville, Cahokia, Caseyville, Sauget, and Swansea. He donated a bulletproof vest to one of Illinois’ top-performing K-9 officers and provided complimentary care to a local search-and-rescue dog who served bravely during the 9/11 recovery efforts in New York City.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Lashley was deeply devoted to his family.
He is survived by his:
- Beloved wife: Pamela Jane (Hudgens) Lashley, originally of Marion, IL
- Son: Christopher Robert (Elena) Lashley of Swansea
- Their children: Caitlyn Noelle and Braeden Oliver
- Daughter: Erica Brook (Matthew) Lynch, also of Swansea
- Their children: Kinsley Laine and Beckett Matthew
- Son: Sean Michael Lashley of Sunset Hills, MO
He was also the proud dad and grandad to a beloved group of furry family members, including:
- Piper, a Lhatese
- Aspen, a Golden Irish
- Atlas, a Great Leonberger
- Luna, an Australian Shepherd
- Autumn, an English Cream Retriever
- Five cats: Cupid, Heart, Scarlett, Nash and Faith
Dr. Lashley’s life was defined by service-to animals, to people, and to a greater sense of compassion that left its mark on all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, the animals he healed, and the family who adored him.
Memorials: The family has created the Dr. David E. Lashley Foundation for Pets-a not-for-profit foundation honoring Dr. Lashley’s commitment to caring for all animals. Donations to the Foundation can be made in care of Christopher Lashley, Lashley Animal Hospital, 3120 N. Illinois St., Swansea, IL 62226.
Visitation: Visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Services: Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Kurrus Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.
