Eldon D. Anderson's Obituary
Eldon Dean Anderson was born on June 19th, 1921 in Cisco, Texas to Myrtie Hildreth and Eldon Dean Anderson Sr., and passed away May 16th 2015 in Dallas, Texas. Eldon never wanted to be called “Jr.” He went by Eldon Anderson, “E.D.” Anderson, Andy Anderson, or “Shady” Anderson (an endearing nick-name from his high school days) Eldon is preceded in death by Karen Lovejoy-Anderson. Eldon is survived by his wife, Helen Louise Anderson; two sons, Michael and David Anderson; Daughter-in-law, Yolanda Anderson; three granddaughters, Shannon Phillips, Amy Anderson, and Kevyn Brooke Anderson; three great-grandchildren, Pierson, Betty, and Anderson Phillips; his sister, Dorothy Hoffman; as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins. Eldon grew up in Cisco TX with his mother and sister “Dot”. After his parents’ divorce, he spent many summers in Big Springs, TX with his dad. Eldon started working around the age of 10 delivering newspapers, delivering milk, and working part-time at the grocery store and then riding his bike over to work at the drug store. He did anything to bring in money to help his mother. Every day when he finished work at the drug store, he would take his mother an ice cream cone, riding his bike as fast he could to get it home before it melted. Eldon later worked at the Men’s Store while in high school and quickly gained a reputation as a sharp dresser and style setter. In high school, Eldon played French horn in the band with Louise Lawson who played Alto Sax. Nine years after going to Louise’s 9th birthday party, Eldon and Louise were married on September 8th 1939 in Cisco, TX. They said “it wouldn’t last”, but against all odds, in 2014 they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. In 1943 Eldon and Louise had their first son Mike while living in San Angelo, TX. Soon after, Eldon desired to join the United States Air force. Being color blind, he memorized the color chart in an effort to pass the test. The recruiter had suspicions and laid out four color balls on the table. Eldon was told to pick out the red ball. He was exposed. He then joined the Army and went to fight in World War 2. While in the south Pacific preparing for front line duty, Eldon received word that his wife and son Mike had polio and were not expected to live. Eldon traveled 7 Days towards home not knowing their condition, to find that Mike was ok, but Louise was hospitalized and would remain in the hospital for 1 year. After Louise’s recovery, Eldon decided to enroll in college at Texas Tech University. While attending the university his second son David was born. Eldon supported the family by making and selling hand-tooled leather goods in between classes. He graduated in three years with Petroleum Engineering and Mechanical engineering degrees. Soon after college, Eldon went to work for Lone Star gas rising to the executive level of superintendant of all oil and gas production. In 1969, Eldon ventured out to fulfill his dream of starting his own oil and gas production company Anderson Production located in Cisco, Texas where his son Mike joined him in the family business. Eldon never really “retired” from his passion, instilling a strong work ethic in both sons. When granddaughter, Kevyn Brooke was to be born in 1995, Eldon and Louise moved back to Dallas to help support their son David raise Kevyn Brooke and have stayed ever since. Eldon and Louise enjoyed traveling the world extensively and Eldon enjoyed the love and quality time he spent with his entire family. One thing that Eldon has repeated many times over the last few years; ”We’ve had a great life” Visitation will be held Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 3:00pm Friday May 22, 2015 in the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. Reception to follow service at- Olive Garden 9079 Vantage Point Dr. Dallas, TX 75243 (Located next to Holiday Inn Greenville at 635) In Lieu of flowers please send memorials to Alzheimer’s Association non-profit org. www.alz.org/donate. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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