Donald Harry Anderson

Donald Harry 'Don' Anderson was born Saturday, August 6, 1921, in Franklin County, Kansas, the son of Harry Hal and Edith Ina (Yehle) Anderson. Don grew up in Franklin County and at age fourteen, moved to Missouri. He returned to Ottawa, in Franklin County, Kansas in 1949, following his service years, where he made his home until his death Monday, June 27, 2005, at the age of eighty-three years. Don graduated from Hood School in Franklin County, Kansas, and Elkland Missouri High School with the class of 1940. He was a carpenter in the maintenance department of the Hercules Sunflower Ammunition Plant, DeSoto, Kansas, twenty-five years, retiring in 1983. Don served during World War II in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He served in the Central Pacific from September 19, 1940, until November 28, 1942; the M.D. USS Helena under Admiral Hewitt on the Good Will Tour of the World from August 21, 1945, until December 28, 1946; and Guam, M.I. from December 28, 1946, until December 31, 1946. Sgt. Anderson was a Pearl Harbor survivor. He was a rifle and pistol sharpshooter and antiaircraft machine gun crewman. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal on June 9, 1943, and a Good Conduct Bar on June 9, 1946. Don was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church; Warren Black Post #60, American Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901; Pearl Harbor Survivor Association; and Ottawa Lodge #18, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. On September 29, 1943, Don was united in marriage with Ruth LaRee Anderson at San Diego, California. They were later divorced. On January 28, 1966, Don was united in marriage with Vera G. (Barton) Cox at Ottawa. She survives of their home. He is also survived by his daughter, Linda Anderson of Baldwin City; son, Darrell L. Anderson and his wife, Cindy, of Ottawa; three stepdaughters, Bonnie Randel and John, of Garnett, Karen L. Madl and her husband, Jay, of Baldwin City, Judy K. Mille and her husband, Mark, of Ottawa; three stepsons, Larry G. Cox and his wife, Sherry, of Ottawa, Steve T. Cox and his wife, Brenda, of Ottawa, James L. Cox; brother, Dale J. Anderson and his wife, Paddie, of Pearl River, LA; seventeen grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lenora C. Dawson; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2005. OFFICIANT: Rev. Ralph Jarboe, Jr. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Anderson after 5:00 p.m. Tuesday at Dengel & Son Mortuary to service hour, where the family will meet with friends 7 to 8:00 Wednesday evening. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas. Military Honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901, Ottawa, and Masonic Services by Ottawa Lodge #18, A.F. & A.M. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Ottawa American Legion Post #60 Baseball or Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901, Ottawa, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.