Dr. Ralph Lewis Rea, 82, passed away on Oct. 23, 2015, in Hancock Co. Hospital Hospice, after a long illness. He was born July 24, 1933, in Terre Haute, to the late Leo T. and Esther (Wolf) Rea. He graduated from Patricksburg Indiana High School in 1950.
He earned his bachelor degree from Purdue University School of Agriculture in 1955. He graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1960. He served his internship at General Hospital (now Eskenazi). He served two years in the United States Health Service, and during this time he served as the resident physician on the Indian Reservation in Mescalero, New Mexico. The remainder of this service was based in Washington D.C., in the United States Coast Guard. He practiced medicine for one year in Argos, Ind., and then for 28 years as a Family Physician in Greenfield, until retiring in 1992.
He was a member of Indiana State Medical Association and the Reamer athletic booster club while at Purdue.
He was a competent caring doctor who cared deeply for his patients. He had a strong work ethic, generous with his time, and often made house calls and met his patients in the emergency rooms to see to their special needs.
He is survived by sisters-in-law, Ruth Hester, Sandy Rea, Ruth (Bob) Weller; cousin, Don Alkire and many neices and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Baker Rea; daughter, Natalie; brothers, Carl Rea and Richard Rea; sister, Ruth (Herman) Burger; cousins, Guinevere Amerman, Don Amerman and Sylvia Alkire.
A special thanks to Dr. Michael Fletcher, for his countless hours of outstanding care given to Ralph. He was always available to Ralph and his family to listen and calm fears. His many compassionate calls and visits made Ralph’s last years more peaceful. Also, a special appreciation is given by his family to everyone on the staff at the Hancock County Hospital Hospice that gave Ralph wonderful compassionate care.
Friends may call 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015, at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, Pasco Chapel, 1780 West Main Street, Greenfield, Indiana 46140 with services following at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial immediately following at Washington Park East Cemetery, Indianapolis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Salvation Army, 3100 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 or the Hancock Public Library, 900 West McKenzie Road, Greenfield,IN 46140.
Online condolences may be shared at www.stillingerfamily.com.
