Lafayette - Martin David Avolt, DVM, died early Thursday, August 17 2012 as the result of an auto accident in Dunedin, Florida while visiting his son and family in Palm Harbor.
Dr. Avolt was born in Springfield, IL on December 20, 1941 and was raised by his grandparents, Marie and Gus Barth. He married Donna Hart in Rockford, IL in May 1965.

He was educated in the Lutheran schools in Springfield. He earned his BS degree in Biology and Chemistry from IL College, Jacksonville. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of IL in 1969 and interned at Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, then serving as an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at Purdue, before starting his own private practice in West Lafayette and Oxford in 1973.

He was elected Tippecanoe County Coroner in 1984 after serving as a deputy under Dr. William Sholty. He has served in the coroner's office since. As Coroner, he was instrumental in raising the professionalism of the office, helping to write the legislation in 1993 that required all Coroners and deputies to become trained, state certified and requiring continuing education. Dr. Avolt was the first veterinarian to be elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensics Sciences in 1979. Doc had served as President of the Indiana Coroners Association in 1992 and a longtime board member. He had also served as the Executive Director of the Indiana Coroners Training Board 1994-1998.

'Doc' is considered by many, as the 'Dean of Indiana Coroners'. His willingness to counsel, assist or advise those seeking his wisdom and experience has been a tremendous asset over the years, not only to coroners but to the families being served as well. His proudest accomplishments are the students and colleagues he has mentored through the years that achieved the great heights "Dr Dave" knew they were capable of.

They have two biological children, Kathleen Eagan Avolt, Lafayette and Geoffrey Barth ( wife Dawn) Avolt of Palm Harbor, FL. His greatest loves in this world were his grandchildren: Spencer David Avolt age 14, Abbigail Grace and Sydney Anne Avolt, both 11. Also surviving are their two surrogate children: Lisa Barker (Dennis) of Romney and Dr. Bruce Bernacky (Samantha) of Bastrop, Texas.


A Celebration of a 'Life Well Lived' for Dr. Avolt will be held, Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at The Outpost Banquet Facility, 2501 Old US 231 South, Lafayette, IN with family, friends and colleagues conducting the celebration . Immediately following the service, Doc's family will greet guests and share memories with an ice cream social which will last until 6:00 p.m. This is in sharing Doc's love of ice cream and friends. Family and Friends Funeral Home in Wingate is assisting the family with arrangements. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tippecanoe County Extension Program (4-H), Food Finders School Backpack Program or Indiana State Coroners Association Scholarship Fund. Envelopes will be available at the service. Visit us online to leave condolences/memories at www.familyandfriendsfh.com