BEDFORD – Local patriarch and legend Ralph Edward Anderson died in his home on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
“He always did the kindest things for everyone and was so quiet about it,” said Laura Hodges Anderson in a Facebook post. “We always learned about his acts of kindness from the community because he would never say a word and HATED recognition. He was the Patriarch and, honestly, a Legend. His kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. Things will never be the same, but his impact will never be unfelt.”
Ralph graduated from Purdue University School of Pharmacy. He was a pharmacist and member of the Calvary Lutheran Church of Bedford and Bedford Elks Lodge.
Anderson said he never considered becoming a pharmacist until he took a job at a Lafayette drug store when he was 15 and delivered prescriptions on his bicycle.
The owner encouraged him to enroll at Purdue to study pharmacy, and he was so committed to his education that he paid for Anderson’s tuition.
Anderson brought his wife Mary and young family to Bedford in 1957 to work for Crowder’s Pharmacy, which was on Lincoln Avenue in a building that has since been torn down. The family lived in an upstairs apartment, and Mary delivered prescriptions from the family station wagon.
Ralph’s son Steve and grandson Josh Anderson followed in his footsteps and are pharmacists.
Ralph was a huge Purdue Fan. He was a season ticket holder his whole life.
Ralph’s favorite Purdue player was Zach Edey, who he met at a Purdue home game. Edey was surrounded by fans seeking autographs when someone pointed out that Ralp had been waiting to meet him. Edey walked away from the group and headed for Anderson.
Ralph was the past president of the Indiana Board of Pharmacy and an Indiana State Representative in 1973.
Ralph was a recipient of Sagamore of the Wabash in 1988, Bowl of Hygiea in 1976, Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year in 2023, and a member of the Kiwanis Club.
“He believed in hard work, service above self, and putting others first. Ralph’s family and employees have been deeply influenced by his legacy of care and commitment,” Cowder’s Pharmacy posted on Facebook. “Ralph worked tirelessly, owning Crowder’s since 1956. He instilled in us the belief that healthcare knows no time clock and that everyone deserves compassion and attention. His dedication to our community made Bedford, Indiana, a better place, as he supported local causes and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Ralph’s absence will be deeply felt, but we vow to honor his memory by continuing his exceptional care and service tradition. We promise to carry on his legacy, ensuring every customer is provided with the same unwavering dedication that Ralph embodied. Rest in peace, Ralph, knowing that your legacy will live on in the work we do every day.”
Over the years, Anderson has developed half a dozen commercial properties in Bedford that provide space for small businesses and nonprofits.
He developed Lincoln Plaza on Lincoln Avenue, a business center across from Bedford City Hall and Crowder’s Plaza on 16th Street and G Street.
Anderson was content being a pharmacist when the owner of Crowder’s approached him about taking over. He jokes he was “forced into it.” Other opportunities followed, including a building downtown and the hospital pharmacy in what was Bedford Medical Center.
Funeral services for Ralph will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church, Bedford, on Friday, August 2, at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Martin Keller officiating. A private family burial will follow at Ikerd cemetery. Visitation will be held at Calvary Lutheran on Friday, August 2, from 10:00 until the time of the service.
Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Calvary Lutheran Church, 3705 Austin Avenue in Bedford, in Ralph’s memory.
