Dr. Edward Ross

Life began on October 10, 1937, for Dr. Edward Ross, in the small, rural town of Fairfield, AL. Always bright and curious, he was one of five children, Christine, Cathryn, Fred and Willie, born to Horace and Carrie Ross.

Dr. Ross graduated with high honors in the Jefferson County, AL school system. He then went on to excel academically at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA. During the turbulent social unrest of the 1960’s, Dr. Ross gained admission to the Indiana University College of Medicine, at a time when few black students were afforded that opportunity. There were even fewer practicing physicians of color in the nation. He conducted his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Indiana University Medical Center. He also fellowshipped in cardiology at Indiana University Krannert Institute of Cardiology.
From his humble beginnings in Alabama, Dr. Ross went on to become the first certified African-American Cardiologist in Indianapolis. As a result of his humanitarian concerns, he led the effort which resulted in providing free healthcare in the Martindale/Brightwood neighborhood to patients in need.
Dr. Ross, MD., FACC, FACA, passed away on January 5, 2017. He was a highly regarded and beloved cardiologist. He was currently serving on the staff of Corizon Health. He previously served as Medical Director of Clarian Cardiovascular Services at Methodist Hospital and the Cardiac Cath Lab. He was in private practice for almost thirty years.
As a well-respected physician in the city of Indianapolis, Dr. Ross was a civic leader and generous philanthropist and humanitarian, who quietly supported several charitable organizations in the arts and community. His work in the Indianapolis community was well-recognized. But his recognition and medical distinctions went beyond the city. The countries of Asia and Europe honored his works as well.
Dr. Ross served as treasurer and member of the board of directors for the International Journal of International Angiology. He was a member of the editorial board of the Journal of International College of Angiology, the American Society of Angiology, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, American Medical Association, National Medical Association, American Society of Hypertension, Society of Hypertension and the Association of Black Cardiologists. He was a fellow with the International College of Angiology, the Royal Society of Health, including membership in several medical societies. Among scores of awards he received during his impressive lifetime were the 2014 John B Chang Research Achievement Award, Woodrow Wilson Fellow, and a 2012 Walker Theatre Distinguished Awards Recipient.
He was a life member of Omega Psi Phi, Sigma Pi Phi/Alpha Eta Boule, Bachelor Benedict Club and a Connecting Link of the Indianapolis Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
A faithful member of Broadway United Methodist Church, Dr. Ross is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Catherine Webster, four children, Ronald (Patricia), Anthony, Edward and Cheryl; grandchildren Coyon, Jasmine, Ashton and Torrance; great-grandaughter Nivea; siblings Christine Ross, Cathryn Pippen, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents Horace and Carrie Ross and two siblings Fred and Willie Ross.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 12:00 noon, at Broadway United Methodist Church. Arrangements are directed by Flanner and Buchanan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice.