A youthful love of animals led Frank Lux ’62 to caring for them, first as an Army captain in Vietnam caring for more than 300 Marine and Navy dogs, and then as head of an animal hospital in California. While at SHS, Frank – known as Francie – played football and threw the discus and shotput for the track team.
After graduating from SHS, Frank went to Ohio State University, with the goal of gaining admission to its School of Veterinary Medicine. His determination was heightened during college summers in Shelby where he worked with legendary veterinarian Doc Henson who kindly wrote a letter of recommendation for Frank to the OSU Veterinary School. While at OSU Frank also participated in ROTC.
Upon graduating with his veterinary degree, the Army beckoned and Frank found himself in Vietnam, caring for the oft-injured front-line “dogs of war.”
Separated from military service, Frank’s passion for animals and their care continued, ultimately leading to founding his own animal hospital in Southern California. Ten years later he moved to Roseville in Northern California where he established a hospital and co-founded a 24/7 emergency pet hospital. While in Roseville he was the veterinarian for local law enforcement K9s, the animal shelter and the local zoo. Additionally he was on the board of directors and the veterinarian for the Placer SPCA. The last few years in the area he was a veterinarian for the Mercer Veterinary Clinic for the Homeless in Sacramento where he mentored University of California-Davis veterinary students.
At age 50 Frank found an additional passion when he witnessed his first Scottish Games. Calling on his SHS discuss and shotput training, Frank competed, throwing a variety of heavy devices, in as many as 15 Scottish Games events a year in western states plus a second place world championship in Scotland.
“Francie’s service to country and his care of wounded and sick animals has been inspiring,” says a fellow alum. “His is a legacy of serving and caring.”
Frank lives in Winchester, Virginia.
Nominator: Dave Lynch ’62.
Captain Lux was an officer and a gentleman. He was my commanding officer at the DaNang Hospital for dogs in Vietnam. He and Captain Christensen ran a great shop. During my stay at the 504 martine’s Medical unit for dogs, I was treated with respect and appreciation and those two officers led the way. I was always pleased to have these two officers in my presence. Never too late to give a shout out of appreciation. Thanks to the both of you so much. Specialist 4 Vincent K. Lynch. Macon, Ga
I worked for Dr. Lux for about 6 years. Best doctor I’ve ever worked for or known. I still often talk about him to family, friends, and close clients.