Dr. Ralph R. Erdmann M.D.

FORT WORTH -- Colonel Ralph R. Erdmann M.D. dies at age 83. Funeral: 10:00am Thursday July 29, at Guardian Funeral Home. Visitation: 6-8pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial: Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. Ralph R. Erdmann, whose impressive curriculum vitae and military record precede him, was a man who believed in hard work, integrity, and had a deep compassion for the welfare of others. His life is a portrait of what determination and dedication to God, love and liberty can truly be. Born in Tampico, Mexico, Ralph attended German schools through high school alongside his 5 brothers and sisters. Upon graduation, he attended medical school at the University of Mexico and completed his residency as a pathologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1959. He rose to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army as an officer in the regular army along with the U.S. Army Reserves and Army National Guard for a total of 26 years of service. One of his favorite times in the army was serving as commander of the 807th Medical Command in the U.S. Army Reserves. Dr. Erdmann was an example of how a father's love can propel inspired lives of their surviving children. For Ralph, he is survived by 5, each of which can detail compelling accounts of how Ralph spent time educating his children in the things he held dear. Primarily, his dedication to Jesus Christ was his first and foremost priority, followed by a deep and adoring love for his family. His daughter, Joni, recalls, "I remember that Dad would say to me after I would tell him I loved him, 'I love you my precious princess. No, wait, I don't love you. I ADORE you. Don't you ever forget that.'" Col. Ralph R. Erdmann is a man that will live forever in the hearts of his family, having left a legacy of proud accomplishments and adoration for his kids. His sense of humor could bring cheer to the even most calloused of hearts, and his brilliance could inspire the fainted of wills. Dr. Erdmann is a man that will forever live on, as his indelible mark on his community has given all that knew him the inspiration to live their lives as he did - to the fullest.