Obituary of Dr. Henry Philmon

Henry Philmon

Dr. Henry Philmon was born January 18, 1933, near Little Rock, AR. Son of Josephine Philmon. He spent his early years in Chicago, IL and then moved to Davenport, IA when he was 10 years old.

An avid athlete, Henry was the first African American varsity wrestler at Davenport High School. He continued as one of the first African American student athletes at Iowa State University (ISU), excelling and receiving six letters in football, track and field. He was inducted into the ISU Letterwinners Club Hall of Fame.

His journey into veterinary medicine began at an early age with an intuitive understanding and love of all animals, great and small. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at ISU. He then served in the US Army Veterinary Corps, where he attained the rank of captain. After serving in the US Army, he returned to Davenport where he was a general practitioner. He was the first African American to be elected to the Davenport, IA School Board and to serve on a Selective Service Board. He was also a past Director for the YMCA-YWCA, Davenport. On a trip to California in 1967, he met and soon after married Grace Johnson.

Dr. Philmon and his family moved to Minnetonka, MN in 1969 where he continued his own practice at the Minnetonka Animal Hospital. He wrote and developed curriculum for veterinary technician schools, including the University of Minnesota. For years he performed spays and neuters at the Minnesota State Fair. Dr. Philmon later established M.A.S.H., a Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital, delivering in-home veterinary care to area pet owners. He loved his craft for over 5 decades. Though his marriage to Grace ended, they remained very close.

In addition to his love for animals, he had a passion for tennis. He competed on a national level in mixed doubles. Dr. Philmon encouraged young African Americans to learn the game of tennis. A mentor to many, he did the same for aspiring veterinarians.

Dr. Philmon peacefully passed away on August 27, 2024, at the age of 91. He is survived by his daughter Leslie Philmon (David Sears), Woodbury, MN, his son Don Johnson, Green Bay, WI; his brother Malvon Lee (Denise), Hayward, CA, his sister Mary Lee, Vandalia, MI; his cousin Joycetta Woods, Chicago, IL; his nieces Devra Pollard, Tampa, FL, Michele Pollard (Edward Nunn), Woodbury, MN; his grandchildren Grace Johnson, Green Bay, WI, Quinton Johnson, Oshkosh, WI; his great nieces and nephews Gabriel Pollard, Moline, IL, Cadence, Mattie, Bennett, and Wisdom Nunn, Woodbury, MN.

He was preceded in death by his brother Hurie Lee, and sisters Annette Pollard and Doretha Lee.

Services Information:

Saturday, September 14

Visitation: 10:00 am

Service: 11:00 am (Reception to follow)

Location:

Cremation Society of MN

7110 France Ave, S.

Edina, MN, 55435