Arthur Vincent Tennyson, 85, West Melbourne, Florida, passed away on January 24, 2021.

Art was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Art is survived by his spouse, Elaine; sister Ardeth; children Phyllis Tarbell (Claude), Peggy Robey (Bob), Arthur, Joe (Lorrie); stepson Tom Stutesman (Cheryl); and grandchildren Joni, Ben, Kevin, Christopher, Jon, Rachel, Katlyn, David, Emily, Kathryn and Andrew.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Barbara; and brother Richard (Dean) Tennyson.

Art spent 12 years of active duty in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Viet Nam, Turkey, and the Pentagon. He then pursued a career in veterinary medicine. He received his VMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He practiced for 3 years in Vermont only to find out he was allergic to cattle. Wanting to continue in the Veterinary profession, he joined the American Veterinary Medical Association as Director of Membership, where he brought the AVMA into the computer age. He truly enjoyed mentoring and working with veterinary students from many schools.

Several years later he moved into the position of Assistant Executive Vice President where he put plans, actions, and laws into effect.

While working at the AVMA, Art returned to the Air Force as a reservist for16 more years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel with a total of 28 years' service.

Art retired from the AVMA after 27 rewarding years. In 2016 he was honored with the AVMA's Presidential Award at the annual convention in SanDiego.

Many colleagues have said he made a lasting impression and is still sorely missed.

Art took great joy in all of his grandchildren. Especially proud moments came when Kathryn graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2018 (receiving her oath from grandfather Art), and Andrew, in the same year, enlisted in the Air Force. An E-4, Andrew is a cyber security specialist, stationed in Germany, and is working on his B.S. degree.

Memorial service will be at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery some time in May.

Donations in Art's memory may be made to Buena Vida Estate Foundation, designated for Jasmine House (Memory Care), 2129 W. New Haven Avenue, West Melbourne, Florida, 32904