John Anderson

A memorial service for John L. Anderson, 84 of Tyler, will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 1:00 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Clifford Price and Rev. Barbara Morgan officiating. Mr. Anderson passed away, August 25, 2011 at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler. He was born January 9, 1927 in Tulsa, OK to C.F. “Andy” and Clara Dodge Anderson. Although he was raised in Troup, John’s mom ran a hotel while they were still in Tulsa. His father worked in the oil fields of East Texas. John was a member of First Christian Church of Tyler. He served in the US Coast Guard as a Merchant Marine during WWII. He spent time in ports all over the world including Asia, Africa, and Europe. John was the consummate salesman. He sold everything from belts and brushes door-to-door to commodities and real estate. John worked directly with Lamar Hunt in the 1950’s and 60’s including the opening and running of the Pit Club at the Bronco Bowl in Oak Cliff. While at the Pit Club, John brought in performers such as The Supremes and Gene Pitney as well as others. Playing often at the Pit Club, Floyd Dakly and John became life long and very close friends. John also went on to have a very successful career developing and selling lake property in Texas. John became an accomplished artist in his own right. He studied under the famous Hungarian portrait artist, Lajos Markos. He loved golf, poker, classical music and telling you the latest joke he had heard. Most of all, John loved people. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Bill Anderson and Jack Anderson. John is survived by his loving family including his wife, Ernestine Garrett Anderson of Tyler; children, Bradley J. Anderson of Buckley, WA, John F. Anderson and wife Janet of Pacific Palisades, CA, and Douglas P. Anderson and wife Missy of Allen; grandchildren, John F. Jr., Keeley, Casey, Jillian, Nolan, Zoe and Hope. Mr. Anderson is also survived by 7 step-children, 8 step-grandchildren and 7 step-great-grandchildren. Memorials in honor of John L. Anderson may be made to Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, 75701 or First Christian Church of Tyler, 4202 S. Broadway, Tyler, 75701. For more information or to express condolences, visit www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com.

John Anderson

January 9, 1927 - August 25, 2011