In Memory: Dr. G. Edward “Ed” Cummins (PU DVM ’66)

a portrait of a man who is wearing a yellow-green, plaid suit jacket, and a square-pattern tie

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened by the passing of a beloved alumnus, Dr. Glenn “Ed” Cummins, who was well known for a student award named in his honor. Dr. Cummins, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully May 15, 2026. He was 83.

A native of Vincennes, Indiana, Dr. Cummins developed a love of animals as a child on his grandmother’s farm. As a youth, he raised and showed Angus cattle on the fair circuit, with his uncle. He decided to pursue Veterinary Medicine as a way to continue working with animals, and earned his Purdue DVM degree in 1966. He served as a private practice veterinarian for nearly 50 years, initially caring for pets at his clinic in Nora Plaza in Indianapolis, and then at his E. 91st Street location.

The G. Edward Cummins Compassionate Care Award was established in Dr. Cummins’ name by a couple who were longtime clients, to be given annually to a veterinary student for exemplifying clinical training and compassion for animals and clients alike. For years, Dr. Cummins personally attended the presentations of the award during the college’s award ceremonies in the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms. Those who had the privilege of meeting him will always remember his kind and gentle manner and his personal interest in the Compassionate Care Award.

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community lost an alumnus and a very dear friend with the passing of Dr. Cummins. The donors have asked that the award be given in the future in his memory. Gifts in Dr. Cummins memory may be made to the award fund. Click here to reach the College of Veterinary Medicine giving site, choose “Other Fund” in the lower right-hand corner, select “add gift” and specify “G. Edward Cummins Compassionate Care Award” in the space provided. Then, when you check out, you will have an opportunity to designate the gift as “in memory of.” If you have questions, contact pvmgiving@purdueforlife.org.

A member of the Knights of Columbus and the Sertoma Club, Dr. Cummins and his wife, Nancy, were longtime members of St. Luke Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass was held May 22, 2026, at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery Chapel in Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made in Dr. Cummins’ memory to the Indy Humane Society.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

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