Dr. Jim and Nancy Stock, owners and operators of Wheatland Veterinary Hospital north of Kingfisher for the past 42 years, have announced their retirement effective Friday, May 1.

They have sold the practice to Dr. James Matousek of Hennessey.

Matousek, who has been associated with his uncle, Dr. Dennis Matousek, in the Matousek Veterinary Clinic at Hennessey, will be on full-time duty at the Wheatland Veterinary Hospital.

The Stocks opened Wheatland Veterinary Hospital in Kingfisher in 1979 after Jim spent a year working with Dr. Ed McCrary at Watonga to gain experience in operating a veterinary practice.

Their first clinic here involved a portable office and pens on College Hill.

They built the current facility north of Kingfisher in 1982-83, moving into it in 1983.

Jim grew up in Kingfisher, the son of Everett and Pat Stock. He graduated from Kingfisher High School in 1970 before attending Oklahoma State University in Stillwater where he earned an animal science degree.

He wasn’t intent on becoming a veterinarian but while taking courses in animal science with a number of pre-vet students he realized that he was doing as well in the courses as they were.

“That gave me confidence to apply for vet school,” he said. And he was accepted.

And he was accepted.

He and Nancy, a Perry native, were married during his final year of vet school and he graduated in 1978.

After spending a year in Watonga, the Stocks decided to make Kingfisher their permanent home.

All three of their sons were born here – Curt, now 40, a U.S. Department of Agriculture official living in California, and twins, Brad and Mike, now 36, who live in Maryland and Stillwater, respectively.

Brad is a veterinarian and Mike manages a Walgreens pharmacy.

Nancy has been a full-time presence in the veterinary practice, working that around being a wife and mother as well as bookkeeper for the business.

Jim said she is invaluable as a vet tech and has always been a vital part of the operation. Asked how they had

Asked how they had been able to maintain a congenial marriage while working together so closely for 42 years, Jim responded wryly that he had been a great husband and boss.

Asked about the biggest change in veterinary practice during his career, he responded:

“Computers and technology.”

He compared veterinary training between now and his school years as like night and day.

He said he would be lost if he started veterinary training now because it is so computer oriented. But, he points out, the students today grew up with computers so it is no problem for them.

Another change in veterinary education is that women are now in the majority.

“My class of 65 had 10 girls,” he recalled. Now more than half of vet classes are women.”

He added that women can handle veterinary work just fine.

He cites the participation of Nancy in his practice as an example.

“When I have a difficult case I’d rather have Nancy helping me than anyone.”

Doctor Stock said he and Nancy had discussed retirement but hadn’t set a specific date.

When Doctor Matousek approached them with a purchase offer, that pushed up their retirement date.

“We appreciate the support we have received; we will miss everyone,” Jim said.

It was more than just the financial support they received, Jim said.

“It was just everything – the friendships, the good will, the personal concern – this is a wonderful community.”

He said that retirement will give him and Nancy a chance to travel more to see their far-flung family – after the coronavirus lockdown is over.

They especially look forward to spending more time with grandchildren, Dylan and Ryan Stock, sons of Curt and Ali Stock of Fair Oaks, Calif., Peyton, daughter of Dr. Brad and Mandi Stock of Nottingham, Md., and Emily and Tayler Stock, daughters of Mike and Kristen Stock of Stillwater.

“We know that Doctor Matousek will do a great job serving the customers,” Jim commented.

He will add new technology that will help patients even more, he said.