Roger Allen Anderson Jr.

Roger Allen Anderson Jr. was born in Great Lakes, IL September 15th, 1954. He entered into his eternal reward on March 1st, 2023, aged 68. Beloved husband of 36 years to Patricia. Adoring father of Andy (Teresa) Anderson, Veronica (Owen Goode) Anderson, Blaise (James) Miller, Gabriel Anderson, Regina (Zak Grumbles) Anderson, Christopher (Savannah) Anderson, and Rowan Anderson. Doting grandfather of Audrey Goode and Amelia Miller. Roger was preceded in death by his son, William Anderson; parents, Roger Sr. and Lois Anderson; and sister, Michelle Austin. The son of a Major in the US Army Airborne Rangers, and a US Army Sergeant, Roger and his siblings were raised in a military family which instilled a fierce patriotism. During the Vietnam War, Roger enlisted in the US Navy before draft age and served valiantly until he was honorably discharged. Roger was a lifelong traveler, spending time across the US as well as abroad on most continents. Roger approached everyone he met with an open heart and mind and was always the champion of the underdog. After his years of adventuring and traveling, Roger settled down with his great love, Patsy. Together, guided by their deep Catholic faith, they raised seven wonderful children. Roger worked incredibly hard to support his family and was never too proud to do a job well in that pursuit. Roger was immensely proud of his family and his role as a husband, father, and provider. Roger’s children fondly remember the spiritual connection he held with nature, how he actively nurtured and encouraged all their interests, and that he was happy to just be present with his family and friends. Roger had music in his soul. A natural self-taught musician, Roger was a musical explorer who enjoyed any song that spoke to him and passed this love of music on to his children. Throughout his life, Roger was guided by his love of God, and a deep commitment to service in the Catholic Church. Roger answered God’s calling wherever needed and volunteered as an usher, lector, eucharistic minister, and catechism instructor for confirmation preparation, and was a second-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Roger fiercely defended his values, holding firm in his faith. Roger held an intense enthusiasm in all his endeavors, including hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, sailing, boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Roger had a deep love and respect for all nature and wildlife and cherished the companionship of his pets throughout his life. Roger was the most interesting man in the world. A Requiem Mass will be held Monday, March 6, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at Chapel of Sts. Peter and Paul in Tyler. Rosary will begin at 2:00 p.m. prior to the mass. Burial will be at Rose Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home.

Roger Allen Anderson Jr.

September 15, 1954 - March 1, 2023