ROBERT RAY ANDERSON, 91 of Grand Island, NE, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Grand Island Veteran's Home.
Robert was born May 1, 1923 at Brule, NE to Ernest and Marie (Fahrlander) Anderson. He graduated from Brule High School in 1940.
In 1942, Robert entered the U.S. Navy where he served during WWII in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. Robert married Leah L. Stanley on June 16, 1946, following his discharge from the service that same year. The couple made their home in Brule, where they raised their family. Robert had worked as an auto and aircraft mechanic and service station attendant before taking a job at the Brule Alfalfa Mill. He later worked at Goodall Manufacturing, later TRW, for 31 years.
Robert loved spending time outdoors. He had been involved with the Brule Volunteer Fire Department since 1951, and had served as Fire Chief for many years. He took special interest in the education system at Brule, and always did his best to support the school. He was a member of VFW, life member Elks Club and NRA, Lions Club, Brule Alumni Association, had served as a Hunter's Education Instructor, Civil Defense Director, Boy Scout Leader, announcer for many local sporting events, flagger for the Midget Race Car track in Brule, Bowled on Bank of Brule bowling team for over 20 years, and was a member of many other organizations.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Leah in 2011; and a brother, Herman "Pete" Anderson.
Survivors include his 2 sons, Wayne R. Anderson and his wife Sarah of Minden, Joey S. Anderson and wife Carla of Meridian, ID; grandchildren, Jason W. Anderson and wife Crystal of Sidney, John J. Anderson Denver, CO, Jina M. Whipple and husband Broc Meridian, ID, Timothy W. Anderson of Springfield, MO, Pamela S. Fellers and husband Shawn of Grennell, IA, Stuart R. Anderson of Minden, Anna M. Anderson of Topeka, KS; great grandchildren, McKynzee J. Anderson, Brianna A. Anderson, Jason A. Cuff, Krystina L. Cuff, Kerrick Anderson, Sydnie L Whipple, Cole B. Whipple, Carter Fellers; a sister, Lorraine "Sis" Mercer of Albuquerque, NM; half brother, Paul Anderson of Sac City, IA; along with many other relatives and friends.
Memorials are suggested to the Brule Fire Department, Salvation Army or to the donor's choice, in his memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will also be streamed live for those unable to attend.
Services will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 1:30 PM at the Congregational Church of Christ of Brule with Pastor Lisa Hadler officiating. Burial will be in the Brule Cemetery at Brule.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Prairie Hills Funeral Home.