by Jay Wolf, publicity director, the Little Brown Jug

Delaware, OH — Dr. Dale E. Walters, a long-time veterinarian and owner/breeder, will be honored as the 2013 Joseph Neville Award winner by the Delaware County Fair.

Dale Walters

Dr. Walters was a 60 year resident of Delaware, Ohio, and was a highly respected veterinarian for which he practiced for more than 50 years. He also owned Sugar Valley Farm, a long-time breeding facility in the Buckeye State, which is currently standing five stallions under the direction of his son, Billy, and grandson, Joe McLead.

Dr. Walters campaigned several outstanding horses including Sugar Valley Dudly ($144,324), Fava (p,4,1:54f), Beeeyouuuuuu (p,3,1:50.1f) and Sugar Valley Alley ($373,243).

Walters’ greatest horse was Saccharum. The homebred daughter of Sugar Tree earned more than $805,000, was a two-time Ohio Sires Stake champion and was the 1985 Ohio Horse of the Year. In 2011, Saccharum was inducted into the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame.

Dr. Walters graduated from Beallsville High School and then served his country as a member of the United States Navy as a medical corpsman from 1946–1947. He later graduated from The Ohio State University in 1952, where he earned and received his degree in Veterinary Medicine, finishing first in his class.

Dr. Walters, 85, died Nov. 6, 2012, in Delaware. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Evelyn; daughter, Linda (Gary) Mays; son, Bill (Debbie); and grandsons, Joe (Patty) and Jason McLead.

Delaware County Fair officials will honor Walters as the 16th recipient of the Neville Award during winner’s circle ceremonies on Jug Day, Sept. 19.