Edward Anderson

Edward A. Anderson

Born on October 22, 1924 in Ottawa, Kansas, died September 7, 2008 at the age of 83, in Olathe, KS. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Blanche Anderson, two brothers, Arthur Anderson (Junior) and Billy Don Anderson, and his wife of fifty-eight years, Florine C. Anderson, who died November 4, 2007, and for whom he grieved until his death.

Mr. Anderson served his country stateside in Mississippi, during WWII, until his honorable discharge as a PFC on July 7, 1945, whereupon he moved to Wichita, Kansas working for his father in the retail candy business.

While working with his parents, he met the "little blonde of Wilma Street" and from the moment he met her, Edward courted Florine Utter until they were married on October 1, 1949. He continued to court her with candy and flowers throughout their lives together.

Mr. Anderson, affectionately known as Andy, worked at the original Wichita Airport before transferring to the present Mid-Continent Airport with Beech Aricraft. In the first year of Lear Jet's inception, Bill Lear personally stopped by and asked if Andy would come to work for him. Bill and Mrs. Lear enjoyed his company, dedication and loyalty to Lear Jet. Many times dad would come home with pictures and speak of privileged moments with such notables as Frank Sinatra and John Denver, among many others, as they come to Wichita to take delivery of their own personal jets. He loved the Lears, their business and his fellow employees of Lear Jet; he retired from Lear Jet in 1985.

Mr. Anderson is survived by his two sons, Edward R. "Rick", and wife (C.Ann) Anderson, of Olathe, KS, and Tommy Lee and wife (Debbie) Anderson of Troy, MO, three sisters, Norma Fireman of Massachusetts, Geraldine Boyle and Nita Moser, both of California and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his four grandchildren; Nichole, LeeAnna, Dustin, Alyssa, all of Troy, MO, and one great-grandchild, Madeline, of Wichita.

Through his life we learned lessons of loyalty, gentleness, and love of family, love of country, and love of hard work. His family will deeply miss his sweet ways.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends at 9:30a.m. Interment will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his name with Kendallwood Hospice Care, 2908 NW Vivion Rd, Riverside, MO 64150 and with Faith Baptist Church of Olathe, KS.