Obituaries

January 25, 1930 to December 21, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Don Eugene Anderson, 90, Granbury, Texas, passed away Monday, Dec. 21.

He was born on a cold Indiana night, Jan.  25, 1930, in Monon, to George and Esther Anderson. He grew up on the family farm in Francesville, and attended a one-room school in Beaver Township until graduating to Francesville High School where he played basketball four years for the black and orange Francesville Zebras. His best subject in school was knowing 16-year-old Phyllis Smith and the rest is history. They were married Dec. 31, 1952 while Don was in the U.S. Air Force and was being sent to Japan. Eighteen months apart was a long time, but they made up for it being married the next 68 years.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Granbury, Texas; sons, Wayne (Marlene) of Northlake, Texas and Roy of Gilmer, Texas; three grandchildren, Brittany Horn (husband, Tom and their daughter, Clara) of Keller, Texas; Shay Meares (husband, Michael and their children, Kenai, Kiva, and Phin) of Flower Mound, Texas; and Eliseo Anderson (Savannah) of Stephenville, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, Merle Anderson, John Anderson, Ruth Phelps, and Leona Grosenbacker.

Mr. Anderson graduated from New Mexico State University and received his master’s degree from Oklahoma State University. He was a counselor and school administrator for 40 years. He loved his students and fellow teachers and they loved him. His sense of humor has always been a welcomed smile to all he came in contact with. As much as he loved being a counselor in Lovington, New Mexico, he loved his family more. His sons Wayne and Roy were lifetime companions, and the whole family was always on a summer adventure. But the best adventure of all was any time spent together. As the boys graduated from high school and moved on to their new lives, Don and his wife gave up the economy camper, and traveled the world - 37 foreign countries, and a lifetime of memories. Those countries were amazing, but paled in comparison to their three grandchildren. The joy of family got even greater with his children’s and grandchildren’s husbands and wives.. Their legacy continued to grow with four great-grandchildren. The grandkids and great-grandkids are a wonderful legacy, but once again the most important legacy he left behind was as a follower of Christ. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control were all fruits of his Christian walk. Isaiah 40:31; “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings as eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not be faint” seemed to be penned just for his life.

A memorial service was held in Texas. The family plans a visitation and graveside service in Indiana.

Arrangements are pending at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.