Ross L. Egger

Dr. Ross L. Egger, “Doc” to so many who loved him, left this earth for his heavenly home with his family by his side on Saturday, February 1, 2025. 

Ross was born in North Liberty, Indiana, the 2nd of four boys and one girl to John and Dorothy Egger on March 24, 1937. He graduated from North Liberty High School in 1955 where he earned 4-year letters in three sports and was in the band. In 1958, he graduated from the Ball State Teachers College, majoring in Biology and Chemistry. While at Ball State he was a letterman in football and swimming. He was also the Commander of the ROTC drill team all while working at Ball Memorial Hospital. He attended the Indiana University School of Medicine, graduating in 1962 before heading back to Muncie to do his internship.

Early in 1963, Ross moved his young wife and two daughters to Middletown where he opened his practice and the start of a life serving the community he loved. Ross served as the team doctor for the Shenandoah schools for more than 40 years. He was a member of the Middletown Lions Club for nearly 60 years. He could often be seen in the ticket booth at the fair selling tickets. Ross was instrumental in starting the Middletown EMS program serving as a founding board member and medical director. He also gave of his time to start the Shenandoah Youth Football program, serving on the founding board for this as well. Ross was a lifelong member of the Middletown United Methodist Church serving his Lord Jesus in many ministries.

Ross also proudly served in the Indiana National Guard. He served a total of 26 years where he retired at the rank of Colonel. He took his love of medicine into the military training many soldiers. Ross was the founding director of the first Family Practice Residency program in Indiana and only the 4th in the United States. He directed this program from its beginning in 1969 until 1987. In 1974 he served as the president of the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians and continued to be instrumental in teaching young residents in the art of being a good family physician.

Of all the blessings in his life, Ross would count his family with Lynn as the biggest blessing. He met Lynn while attending Ball State and they were married before he started medical school. They were just six days shy of celebrating 66 years together on February 7. They were blessed with two daughters and two sons who are grateful for the sacrifices and example they set as parents.

Camping was often a family vacation and challenging taking all four kids. He loved attending the sporting and other events of his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. If you ever heard a loud “three seconds” while at a Shenandoah basketball game, it was probably coming from Doc Egger. For many years he walked the sideline of home and away football games. As the grandkids started arriving, hardly a Sunday afternoon passed where you didn’t see Papaw Doc with a baby asleep on his belly while he was snoozing too! Each grandchild was very special to him as he would share his love for music and sports with each one of them patiently.

Ross was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Egger; two brothers, John and Robert; and his grandson, Tyler Atkinson.

He is survived by his wife Lynn (Holt) of Anderson; children, Lori (Steve) Atkinson of Yorktown, Kathy (David) McCord of Middletown, Mike (Kim) Egger of Terre Haute, and John (Cheri) Egger of Geneva, Florida; brother, Charles Egger of Shelbyville and sister, Ellen Jones of Greenfield. Surviving grandchildren include, Kelli (Domonic) Tardy, Lyndsey (Gabe) Wilmes, Charli McCord, Lexi (Matt) Bray, Tesia (Marcus) Carroll, Jacob Egger, Ross Egger, Will Egger, and Delaney Egger. He was also blessed with eight great grandchildren, Garrett, Gavin, Hunter, Amaya, Harper, Alyza, Griffin, and Amoni.

Services will be on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Middletown Church of The Nazarene with Pastor Phil Rogers officiating. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Middletown Church of the Nazarene 698 N. 5th St. Middletown, IN 47356. Memorial contributions can be made to the Dr. Ross L. Egger Scholarship Fund c/o Henry County Community Foundation 700 S. Memorial Dr. New Castle, IN 47362.

You may express a condolence or share a memory of “Doc” at www.ballardandsons.com.