Donald W. Anderson Sr.
September 27, 1931 – July 16, 2020
The family is planning a private graveside service at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 88, passed away on Thursday evening July 16, 2020. Donald was born in Cassapolis on September 27, 1931, the son of Robert Curtis and Dorothy Anderson. On June 24, 1967, he married Jeanette Reno who preceded him in death in 2003. Don proudly served his country in the Korean Conflict in the U. S. Army and worked for 33 years as a mechanic for the United States Postal Service. He was dedicated to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and was a member of Temple Baptist Church and Vandalia Church of God. He is survived by his children, Donald Anderson Jr., Anthony Anderson, Daniel Anderson, Victor (Nancy) Tate, Martin Gaines; 15 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; siblings, Jackie Smith, Judy Welch-Smith, Patti Slater, Dennis (Donna) Rickman, Charles Esters, Etta (Andy) Palmer, Kathy Lott; aunt, Ruth Walker; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his wife he was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Victoria Anderson and Audrey Gaines; brothers, Jonathan Esters and Julian Esters; a special friend, Clara Anderson.
I’ve known Don my whole life. I rode to church with the Anderson gang for many years. Don & Jennette adopted me as their daughter when I was having a rough time with my real dad. I lost touch with him in recent years, but never forgot him.
It was good knowing and being close with you all these years. Because you lived your life so well, I’ll shed few tears. I know you’re resting. It’s well earned. I’ve learned a lot about how life should be , how patience, love and sympathy make us able to endure. You were an extraordinary man; and all who knew you well felt your kindness and your strength of character. Rest in Peace!
Andy and his family lived around the corner from my family home; our back yards connected. My Dad and I both knew him when we all worked at the Post Office in Kalamazoo. Andy and I worked as mail handlers before he transferred into the garage as a mechanic. He was a quiet man who got along well with everyone at the P.O. If memory serves, when he retired from the P.O. he took a job at Sears Roebuck in their garage. As is common, our lives went off in different directions and I hadn’t seen Andy in many years, but I have fond memories of him and his friendship. A life well lived, may he rest in the Loving Arms of God for all eternity.