In Memory: Dr. Ralph Anderson (PU DVM ’76)

May 14, 2021

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family is saddened to learn of the passing of alumnus Ralph R. “Doc” Anderson of Logansport, Ind. The beloved veterinarian and former Cass County commissioner died unexpectedly Saturday, May 8, at Logansport Memorial Hospital.  He was 69.

A Lafayette, Ind. native, Dr. Anderson followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, uncle, father, and older brother as he pursued a career in veterinary medicine, earning his DVM degree at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1976.  After graduation, Dr. Anderson was hired by a veterinary practice in Ohio.

In 1980, he opened his own practice, the Animal Hospital of Logansport, with a focus on small animals and horses.  As the business grew, Dr. Anderson found he no longer had time to go out on field calls and gave up the equine component of his practice.  He was assisted by his wife, Connie, who worked with him in the practice every day.

Known as a local leader with a huge heart for Cass County, Dr. Anderson is remembered as someone who touched the lives of both two-legged and four-legged friends during his career, making people smile through his work in Civic Players of Logansport and investing 28 years of public service as a township trustee, a county councilman, and a commissioner.  A member of the Cass County Republicans, Dr. Anderson also served as a political campaign manager for many candidates.  He particularly enjoyed paying tribute to veterans during the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades, giving many patriotic speeches.

In commemorating Logansport’s 175th Anniversary, Dr. Anderson produced the film, “The Birth of a City” in conjunction with the Cass County Historical Society – another organization that he supported. Additionally, during Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration, Dr. Anderson served as a torchbearer.

A Boy Scout leader and avid reader, Dr. Anderson is remembered most of all as one who loved spending time with his family. Dr. Anderson was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monticello.

A funeral service celebrating Dr. Anderson’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at the Fisher Funeral Chapel in Logansport.  Friends will be received prior to the service from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. 

Click here to view a complete obituary, with information about ways to make memorial gifts in lieu of flowers.  Additionally, memories, photos, and condolences may be shared on the tribute wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.

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

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, sincere gratitude is shared with Abby Props who is the Pathology Laboratory Supervisor in the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

Student Landscape Project Benefits Animals at Purdue Veterinary Hospital

A student-led landscape redesign project has taken root at Purdue University, in the form of outdoor upgrades at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. Originally developed by Mary Schultz, a graduating senior in the College of Agriculture’s Horticulture and Landscape Architecture program, the project reimagined outdoor spaces used for animal recovery, training, and enrichment. This summer, the hospital implemented one of the recommendations, which involved replacing natural turf in an outdoor dog run with a new synthetic material.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Welcomes New Students

As the heat and long days of summer subsided and the start of a new school year approached, the sense of excitement and new beginnings pervaded Lynn Hall over the last couple of weeks with the arrival of Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s new DVM and Veterinary Technology students. The DVM students in the Class of 2029 participated in a week-long onboarding program that started Monday, August 18, while the Veterinary Technology students in the first and second years of the program were welcomed with an Ice Cream Social and orientation program at the start of the fall semester.

Approaching Purdue Veterinary Conference Mixes CE and Celebration in September

The start of a new academic year signals the approach of the annual Purdue Veterinary Conference and the last chance to get an early-bird discount on registration. The conference is scheduled for September 16-20 on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, and features a variety of specialized tracks as well as special events. Early bird registration ends September 1, and late fees will apply as of September 2.

Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine Names New Senior Director of Admissions and Student Success

A key Purdue Veterinary Medicine staff member who has played a vital role in admissions and recruitment will now serve as the new senior director of admissions and student success. Lori Stout has been promoted to the position and Dean Bret Marsh announced the appointment Tuesday, August 26.

Lecture Hall Murals by Acclaimed Artist Continue to Inspire Lynn Hall Visitors

Two murals by artist Harry Boone have been part of Lynn Hall’s large lecture hall for more than 20 years. Commissioned in 1998, the works continue to leave a lasting impression, and Boone recently returned to campus to see them again.