Richard M. Anderson, Jr.

WALKERTON – Richard M Anderson Jr., 81, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2016 in Memorial Hospital at South Bend, Indiana after a courageous battle with a heart condition. Richard was born on October 31, 1934 in his grandparents' Francis and Anna Drake's home in Walkerton to Richard and Frances Marie (Drake) Anderson. He graduated from Walkerton High School in 1952 and lived in the area his entire life. Richard met his soul mate and one true love, Anna Mae Jackson, at the North Liberty 23 Drive-In where Anna served him his favorite hamburger and they were united in marriage on June 11, 1955, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Walkerton, Indiana. Richard is survived by Anna, his wife of nearly 61 years, a son Kevin (Kris) Anderson of Walkerton, daughter Deanna (David) Shively of Walkerton, and daughter Joanna (Michael) George of Montgomery, New York. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren; Ryan and Craig Anderson, Russell Burch, Dylan and Delaney Shively and Nicolas George in addition to 8 great grandchildren. Richard was a life-long farmer but also held various jobs at the post office, gravel pit, Tractor Supply, and selling and delivering seed corn. In 1959, he and Anna purchased the Robert Anderson farm in Starke County where they made their home until 2007 when they downsized and moved across the road, turning the farm over to their son Kevin. Richard was a talented woodworker, creating many beautiful pieces that family and friends will cherish forever in his memory. He learned these skills from his mentor Ted Hornung, his grandmother's neighbor, and passed on his woodworking passion to his grandson Dylan who will now carry on the tradition. He was a talented and innovative mechanic who could keep equipment running long after others would have given up. He had a passion for history and travel and he and Anna visited all 50 states and Alaska five times during his life. He took his family all over the country in their one wheel trailer and tent, creating memorable adventures and visiting many national parks and monuments. Richard enjoyed trips to Joanna's in New York where he toured historic West Point, the Orange County Choppers and New York City. He and Anna loved riding on their Honda Gold Wing motorcycle with friends locally and to the Smoky and Rocky Mountains and made his last ride into Canada visiting Nova Scotia and Prince Edwards Island. He passed his enthusiasm for riding to his children and grandchildren. His final adventure was celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary with a cruise on the Queen Mary 2 with Anna last summer. Richard was a member of the Walkerton Historical Society and truly enjoyed participating in their cemetery walks where he reenacted the lives of significant community members each 4th of July. He was a member of the International Harvester Collectors Northern Indiana Chapter #33 and had restored the first tractor he had purchased, a1954 Farmall Super MTA. He also had a passion for fast cars and was the owner of a red 1960 Ford Thunderbird that he happily drove in local parades and displayed at car shows. A celebration of life ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m. (EST) at the Walkerton United Methodist Church, 1000 Georgia Street, where Richard was a member. Visitation will begin one hour earlier at 10 a.m. (EST) with a lunch served following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's name can be made to the Walkerton Historical Society at 413 Michigan Street Walkerton, IN 46574, the Walkerton United Methodist Church, or to a charity of your choice. Please join us and share your memories of our beloved patriarch and celebrate his impressive life. He was a great friend, helpful neighbor, a compassionate and loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed. The leader of our band has taken his final bow.

Richard M. Anderson, Jr.

October 31, 1934 - March 31, 2016