The world lost a gentle soul this week. George Franklin Anderson, 85, went to his heavenly home on Monday, November 14 at Witham Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. George was born in Lebanon on April 24, 1937, the son of Floyd G. and Edith (Perkins) Anderson. George grew up in Washington Township and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1955. While in school, George was on the football and cross country teams and was a member of the Future Farmers of America. He loved everything “Lebanon”, but nothing more than the Tiger basketball team, and was a front row season ticket holder for over 60 years.
After high school, George attended Franklin College where he was involved in many campus activities including cross country, Intra-fraternity Council, Young Democrats Club and Lambda Chi Alpha, serving as president of the fraternity during his senior year. He graduated in 1959. While at Franklin, George met the love of his life Barbara Gamble. The two were married on June 18, 1960 at the First Baptist Church of South Bend. The ceremony was officiated by Barb’s father, Reverend Joseph Harold Gamble. George and Barb celebrated 62 years of marriage this year. Their commitment to each other has been a great example for their family.
After marriage, George and Barb settled in Lebanon. He started his career at Pitman Moore, a division of Dow Chemical where he worked for 10 years. After working a short time for Farm Bureau, George opened Anderson Agency, a real estate and insurance agency. George ended his career as the broker owner of Anderson – Stookey Century 21 before retiring in 2005. George spent 35 years in real estate and was known for his integrity and his commitment to the people he represented. After retirement, George enjoyed working for Boone County Senior Services as a van driver. He also served on the Boone County Tax Assessment Board of Appeals for 10 years.
George is survived by his wife Barb and daughter Pam and son-in-law Brad Burpo of Lebanon, daughter Kim and son-in-law Derek Arrowood of Cicero and daughter Amy and son-in-law Jeff Godby of Lebanon. Grandchildren include Elizabeth (Burpo) King and husband Kyle, Laura (Burpo) O’Brien and husband Cory, Nate Arrowood, Ellie Arrowood, Sam Godby and Kara Godby, great grandsons Levi King, John O’Brien and Joel King, and brother Bill Anderson of Hillsboro, OH.
George was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Charles.
He was a 55-year member of the Lebanon First Baptist Church having served as Moderator, Deacon, Trustee and the Financial Secretary for 35 years. George was also active in the community and was a member of Elks Lodge BPOE 635, a 12-year member of the Witham Hospital Board of Trustees serving two terms as president, and the Witham Hospital Foundation for 9 years.
George loved all things sports but nothing more than the Lebanon Tigers, Purdue Boilermakers and Chicago Cubs. George and Barb were long-time season ticket holders for Boilermaker football and basketball. Family and friends were not surprised when he shed a tear when his beloved Cubs finally won the World Series in 2016. He also took pride in living and raising his family for many years in the big gold brick house at 803 North Meridian where he meticulously cared for the yard. He loved the game of golf and was a long-time member of Ulen Country Club. Many wonderful friends were made there over the years.
George was a man of few words but someone that was easy to talk with. He never let anyone cry by themselves, especially as it related to his family. He was moved to tears anytime he heard his grandchildren Elizabeth and Laura sing in church or when any of his grandchildren celebrated a big moment in life.
Family and friends will gather at Strawmyer and Drury on Sunday, November 20 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Monday, November 21 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a Celebration of Life beginning at 5 p.m. Personal messages for the family can be left at www.strawmyerdrury.com. George will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Boone County Senior Services, 515 Crown Pointe Drive #8335, Lebanon, IN 46052 or the Witham Health Services Foundation, 2705 North Lebanon Street, Suite 115, Lebanon, IN 46052.
