Norman Gilbert Anderson, son of the late McKinley and Clara (Mallernee) Anderson, was born on Sept. 27, 1922 in Douglas County, Mo., near the Cold Springs community, and passed away on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 at his home in Norwood, Mo., following an extended illness. He was 88 years, 4 months and 17 days of age.
Norman grew up and attended school in Douglas County and at the age of 14 he had a milk can route. He served his country in the United States Army/Air Corp during World War II and was honorably discharged on Oct. 23, 1946.
While in the service he received the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Victory Medal. He later moved to Buffalo, Iowa, where he was employed by the Duey Portland Cement Company.
He was united in marriage to Evelyn Mullins on Nov. 20, 1950 in Salem, Ark. Three children were born to this union. They made their home in the Norwood, Mo., area for many years and where they owned and operated Anderson Grocery Store from 1965 to 1977.
Norman enjoyed playing softball and baseball in his younger years. He also sponsored the Anderson Grocery ball team. He truly enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports over the years. He was known as an avid golfer, and he also liked being outdoors, especially when deer and quail hunting and fishing with his buddy, Sarge Roy.
Norman was a longtime member of the Church of Christ in Mtn. Grove.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Anderson, on Jan. 28, 2010; one son, Max Anderson; and by his sister, Olive Strunk.
He is survived by two sons, Steve Anderson and his wife, Sandy, of Norwood, Mo., and Larry Anderson and his wife, Carol, of Mansfield, Mo.; one daughter, Sandy Peterson and her husband, Steve, of Mtn. Grove; seven grandchildren, Matt and Stephanie Anderson, Donny Anderson, Jeremiah and Shannon Peterson, Andy and Katie Peterson, Joey Peterson, Luke and Angie Anderson, Niki and Tony Edwards; seven great-grandchildren, Gracie, Samee, Brady, Sophee, Rylee, Kelsy and Kelby; two special nieces, Alberta Steinert and Sheila Deaton; a special nephew, Mike Roy; and a host of other relatives, friends, and neighbors who will miss him very much.
Online condolences: www.craig hurttfuneralhome.com.
Funeral services for Norman Anderson were held on Thursday, Feb. 17, at 10 a.m., in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel with Minister Darin Chappell officiating.
The congregation, led by Terry LeBaron, sang “Beautiful,” “Shall We Gather At The River,” and “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder.” Pallbearers were Matt Anderson, Donny Anderson, Jeremiah Peterson, Andy Peterson, Joey Peterson, and Luke Anderson. Honorary pallbearers were Tony Edwards, Angie Anderson, Katie Peterson, Shannon Peterson, Stephanie Anderson and Niki Edwards.
Full military honors were given at the cemetery by the American Legion Post 30 with Jared Moore serving as bugler. Burial was in the Thomas Cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove, Mo.
