Last Updated on May 11, 2021 by Fisher Funeral Chapel
Former County Commissioner and beloved veterinarian Ralph R. “Doc” Anderson, DVM, 69, of Logansport, passed away unexpectedly at 9:54 a.m. Saturday, May 8, 2021, in the emergency room of Logansport Memorial Hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack.
Ralph had a huge heart for Cass County, touching the lives of both 2-legged and 4-legged friends during his career, bringing smiles to faces through his work in Civic Players of Logansport and investing 28 years of public service as a township trustee, a county councilmen and a commissioner. The loss is immense, but sorrow shared is grief diminished. The prayers, the many kindnesses and the beautiful tributes being written about Doc are so comforting to his family.
Born May 17, 1951, in Lafayette, Ralph was the son of the late Arthur and Imogene (Laizure) Anderson. A native of White County, Ralph was a 1969 graduate of Twin Lakes High School where he sang with the school’s Golden Throats and developed a love for being on stage. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Manchester College, working as a skilled locksmith to pay for his education. Ralph followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, uncle, father and older brother by entering the field of veterinary medicine as a third-generation veterinarian. A 1976 graduate of the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, Ralph was hired fresh out of college by a veterinary practice in Ohio.
In 1980, as a 28-year-old young man with a head full of dreams and a love for animals, Ralph took a leap of faith by opening his own practice, the Animal Hospital of Logansport, located at 1520 West Market Street. The name of the clinic’s legal entity, JHAA, DVM, PC was chosen in honor of his grandfather, the late John Anderson. Specializing in small animals and horses, the business soon grew to the point that Ralph gave up caring for horses because he did not have time to go out on field calls. His wife of 38 years, Connie Anderson, has worked with him in the practice every day. Doc was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
The Animal Hospital of Logansport is open and will continue to operate with the guidance of Ralph’s brother, Dr. Charlie Anderson, DVM. Business hours may change slightly for the interim, but the staff will be available to assist clients with any concerns. The Anderson family appreciates the loyalty and friendship of their clients and they look forward to continuing Ralph’s legacy with the same compassion and dedication.
Ralph was a member of the Cass County Republicans and had served as a political campaign manager for many candidates over the years. Politics ran in his blood as his father was also very active on the political scene.
In service to his community, Ralph dedicated 12 years on the Jefferson Township Board as a trustee. He was twice-elected to the Cass County Council serving four of his eight years there as council president. His most recent office was that of President of the Cass County Commissioner, representing District 1, the northern third of the county. He retired from his post after eight years of many proud accomplishments. He particularly enjoyed paying tribute to veterans during the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day Parade, giving many patriotic speeches over the years. His mantra could be summed up in a quote he recently shared, “There is no greater challenge and there is no greater honor than to have been a public servant.”
Ralph was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monticello. Some of his best memories involved the “Anderson family choir” performing together in church. Doc never failed to express the beauty of God’s creation and was lover of wildlife, forestry and conservation. Ralph was especially fond of the elusive morels and the thrill of the hunt.
Over the years, Doc enjoyed his association with the Civic Players of Logansport. Whether it was performing on stage, directing a play or wearing a hula skirt and selling fruit kabobs “kissed by the sun” at the Civic Players fundraiser booth, Ralph was a dedicated and talented member of a group that was an extension of his family. In addition to acting, he had directed musicals and plays such as Finian’s Rainbow and A Christmas Carol. In commemorating Logansport’s 175th Anniversary, Ralph produced the film “The Birth of a City” with screenwriter Garry Williams in conjunction with the Cass County Historical Society – another organization he was honored to support. His beautiful voice, his moustache, and his ability to be somewhat of a ham, endeared him to sing in a Barbershop Quartet and he was a joy to watch him perform.
Ralph had been a member of the former Evening Exchange Club and had served as a Boy Scout leader. An avid reader, Ralph would finish three novels a week. When he ran out of space for books, his family introduced him to Kindle and his love of reading grew stronger. During Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration, Ralph served as a torchbearer. Most of all, Doc loved spending time with his family, especially when he had the run of the kitchen for weekly Sunday dinners which he prepared with perfection.
Surviving with his wife, Connie Anderson, are five children: Amanda (Bucky) Kramer and their children, Arrick and Christian Kramer, of Coatesville, Indiana, Anna (Jessey) Holcomb and their children Mykah, Gyllean and Jozlyn Holcomb, of Royal Center, Indiana, Alexa (Stephen) Myers and their son James Myers, of New Castle, Indiana, Austin (Erin) Anderson and their children, Asher, Noël, Isaac, and Luca Anderson along with their baby boy, Aurelius, due July 2nd, all of Navarre, Florida, and Aaron (Stejara Lulia Dinulescu) Anderson, of Santa Barbara, California; two brothers, Arthur (Janet) Anderson and Dr. Charles (Terri) Anderson, all of Monticello; one sister, Juanagene Nietert, of Valparaiso, Indiana; several nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Goldie Wallace of Millersburg, Ohio; his step-mother-in-law, Dottie Leatherow, of Galion, Ohio; and several extended family members related by marriage.
A Funeral Service celebrating Ralph’s life will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 16 in Fisher Funeral Chapel with Pastor Harry Roselle officiating.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday prior to the service.
A private family graveside service will be held, at a later date, in Davis Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and to reflect Ralph’s love of the arts, a gift to the Fine Arts department of your favorite Cass County school to enhance the students’ experiences in music, art and theater would be a thoughtful way to honor his memory. Ralph was also an ardent supporter of Logan’s Landing, so those wishing to make a gift to support the town that he loved can simply click on the link below. And finally, a contribution to your local humane society would be an especially fitting way to honor Ralph’s memory and his love of animals. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel.
You may share memories, photos and condolences on Doc’s Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.