Donald R Anderson

Donald R. Anderson, 81, died at his home in Newton, on Aug. 11, 2014, surrounded by his family.

He was born on June 29, 1933, in Newton, to Pearl L. (Jones) and Joy D. Anderson.  Don was born and raised in Newton, where he attended elementary school, and then went on to graduate from Newton High School. He was drafted into the United States Army, on June 2, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri. He served a two year term, and was honorably discharged on April 6, 1955, at Fort Carson, Colorado. On March 12, 1960, Don married Rae Ann Holmes in Newton. Rae Ann survives of the home.

After he was discharged, Don served many roles and was very active within the Newton community. He worked at the Newton Elks Club #706 for many years. Don also was employed by the Newton Police Department, retiring as Police Captain, after 21 years of service. During his tenure with the Newton Police Department, he also had assisted with the Special Olympics.

Don served as Newton City Mayor from 1991 to 1992 and also as a City Commissioner for six years. He was always on the move and busy helping others. Don worked for his brothers business, Anderson Painting, and also with Russell Werner Painting Company. During his retirement, he was also a dedicated and helpful staff member at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, assisting with visitations and funeral services.

Don was always there when you needed him. He found joy and happiness when he could make another individual happy or spoil them with food. Don loved to feed people, bringing candy, rolls, Rae Ann's famous apple dumplings, watermelon, cookies and more, to the elderly, to his doctors, the staff at the funeral home, the police department, friends, neighbors and to the children that were in the hospital.  KU basketball was a favorite pastime as well, and spending time with his family, traveling and coaching a number of years for his son's Babe Ruth baseball team. He really enjoyed being, for years, Santa Claus, at the VFW Post #971 and the American Legion Post #2. He would make special visits to families, delivering sacks of candy and fruit, and enjoyed listening to what the children would tell him their Christmas wishes were. He was very devoted to his wife and family, and loved them very much. They were always number one with him. Don was a very special person, very giving and unselfish, putting everyone ahead of himself. He will be greatly missed by family and many people in the community.

His church membership was held with St. Luke Evangelical Church of Newton. He held memberships with the Newton Masonic Lodge #142 A.F. & A.M., Wichita Shrine, Harvey County Shrine, Harvey County Hobos, life member of the Wichita Consistory of Scottish Rite, and the Newton VFW Post #971 and American Legion Post #2.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Lynn, Joy D., Walter, Billy, Lyle B. and Eldo J. Anderson; sisters, Mary Anderson and Eleanor Jane McCall, Martha M. Overholt.  Survivors include his loving wife, Rae Ann; one son and daughter-in-law, Jon Wesley (Karin) Anderson, Newton; two daughters and son-in-laws, Lisa Rae (Mike) Snow, Newton, and Lori Jo (Marvin) Sidebottom, Wichita; brothers, Paul Anderson, McMinnville, Oregon; one sister, Jennie O. (Norman) Beneke, Newbury Park, California; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 30 at the St. Luke Evangelical Church in Newton. A book signing will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, with the family greeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke Evangelical Church and Harry Hynes Hospice, in care of the funeral home at 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.  Broadway Colonial Funeral Home of Newton is in charge of arrangements.