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

Indiana FFA Names PVM’s Julia Wickard as One of Five New Board Members

Executive Director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association and Constituent Liaison Julia Wickard is one of five newly named members of the Indiana FFA Foundation board of directors. The appointments took effect July 1.

Alumnus and Oncology Specialist Dr. Christopher Fulkerson Appointed as Associate Dean for Purdue Veterinary Hospitals

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret D. Marsh, DVM, has named Dr. Christopher Fulkerson as Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and Chief Veterinary Officer for the Purdue Veterinary Hospitals. The appointment was announced July 1, the same day that Dr. Fulkerson’s promotion to full Clinical Professor of Veterinary Medical Oncology took effect.

“Paws Up” for the ADDL Accessioning and Molecular Teams – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, we express our sincere gratitude to our ADDL Accessioning and Molecular Teams (and cross trained individuals).

PVM Dean Bret Marsh Shares College Update with Swine Producers and Industry Partners at Major Swine Event in Indianapolis

Swine Health was the focus of a significant event recently at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis as swine industry partners and swine producers gathered for the National Junior Summer Spectacular (NJSS) and Summer Type Conference (STC). The event was held at the end of June in the Fall Creek Pavillion and included a Swine Health Briefing that featured swine industry and veterinary medicine leaders including Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh, who also had an opportunity to provide an update on the College of Veterinary Medicine.

2026 Annual Recognition Ceremony Honors VCS Residents, Graduate Students, and PVH Interns

On Monday, June 29, 2026, more than 100 faculty and staff from the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital gathered at Thomas Duncan Hall for the 2026 Resident and Intern Recognition Ceremony. This annual event provides a great opportunity to honor and celebrate the contributions of the residents, interns, and graduate students who are completing their programs this summer.

New Administrative Assistant Joins PVM Office of Student Success

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine welcomes Charity Holden as the new administrative assistant in the Office of Student Success.

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

This week we are highlighting Scott Fix who is the Lead Facilities Manager in the Department of Veterinary Administration.

Remembering Zeus: A Legacy of Loyalty and Love

We continue our series of articles about animals and their owners who’ve found help and healing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital by sharing the story of a beloved dog named Zeus. For Amy Fitzsimmons-Blaising, Zeus wasn’t just a dog, he was her spirit animal and best friend. A proud Giant Schnauzer bred in Bedford, Indiana, Zeus had been the heart of Amy’s home for 11 unforgettable years. Then, in October 2024, Zeus’s health challenges began, when he started coughing and showing signs that looked like seizures. After rushing him to a local veterinary urgent care facility, Amy learned he was in congestive heart failure, and she turned to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital for help.

PVM Scholar Receives Purdue WGHI Pilot Grant Aimed at Advancing Women’s Health

Purdue University’s Women’s Global Health Institute (WGHI) has announced six pilot research grant awards aimed at solving critical problems in women’s health and quality of life, and one of recipients is Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty member Viju Vijayan Pillai. Dr. Pillai is assistant professor of anatomic pathology in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology.

The universal socket set of vaccines: Innovative technology heralds more effective, more efficient vaccines

You fight fire with fire. And Purdue Veterinary Medicine vaccine expert Suresh Mittal fights viruses with viruses. Using innovative techniques, Dr. Mittal, Distinguished Professor of Virology in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology, develops novel vaccines for viral infections including avian influenza.