Dr. Lee Cyphers
Dr. Lee Cyphers, veteran veterinarian of Oaklawn for many years, died on Sunday September 5th of complications from a brain aneurysm. For three decades he was a fixture at the Oaklawn gate and in the paddock. He was a local vet in Hot Springs with a very successful small animal clinic. However, his training focused on large animals and his passion was horses.
From Oaklawn President Louis A. Cella:
“Our thoughts and prayers go with the Cyphers family. Dr. Cyphers was a dedicated member of the Oaklawn team and served as our association vet for over 30 years. He hardly missed a day of racing and was at the gate more than 15,000 times during his tenure in rain or shine and ensured the safety of our equestrians. Regardless of whether the horse was a claimer or a champion like Zenyatta or American Pharoah, Dr. Cyphers took the utmost care to make sure they were ready to do their best. “
From Arkansas HBPA President Bill Walmsley:
“DR. Cyphers was a trustworthy friend of the riders and a very good veterinarian. The top priority has always been the safety and welfare of the horses. Everyone will miss him.”
From the Chairman of the Arkansas Racing Commission, Alex Lieblong:
“Dr. Cyphers was liked and respected by everyone. His long tenure with Oaklawn speaks volumes for his dedication and passion for racing and his desire to protect the well-being of every horse. He has always been willing to work cooperatively with the state vets, whatever.” Has always been valued by the Commission. He will be missed. “
Official obituary:
Louis Lee Cyphers, 66, of Hot Springs died on September 5, 2021 with his wife and children by their bedside after a brain aneurysm on August 3. He was born on August 22, 1955 in El Dorado, AR, the son of the late Peggy. born and CD cyphers.
His many successes began with his graduation from El Dorado High School in 1973. He then attended Hendrix College and graduated in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in biology from beans with his dear brother Andy. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1985. He and his first wife Viki (a classmate) got married after graduation and moved to Hot Springs. They jointly opened the Cyphers Veterinary Hospital at 111 Temperance Hill Road in 1987, which they owned and operated until the practice (now known as Temperance Hill Animal Hospital) was sold in 2011. Shortly after moving to Hot Springs, Lee began his long tenure with Oaklawn, which served as the track vet from 1990 until his death. He loved this job and all the friends he had made there, of which his wife Kristi was the best. They led a wonderful life together for over 20 years.
Lee enjoyed everything outdoors, especially camping and perch fishing on Lake DeGray with family and friends. Lee and Kristi loved camping at Lake DeGray so much that they regularly stayed the maximum allowed 2 weeks per month. He loved frying fish and venison steak for his people and was always the life of every party.
In death he is preceded by his parents and the two brothers Steve and Chuck Cyphers.
Among the survivors are his wife and best friend Kristi; Children, Morgan Lee (Summer) Cyphers, Margaret “Meggy” Beatrice (Joseph) Boone, his children’s mother, Viki Cyphers, and Scotty (Grace) Casteel; Grandsons, Noah and Emmie Casteel; Siblings, Kay (Andy) Cyphers Garison, Andy Cyphers and Dan (Amy) Cyphers, DDS, as well as other family and many friends.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date.
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