Robert Anderson

Robert R. (Bob) Anderson, 96, of Grove, OK passed away on September 19, 2015 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO. He was born on February 10, 1919 in Kansas City, KS to Charles Anderson and Winnie (McDaniels) Anderson. Bob was raised in Kansas City and attended school in the Argentine district. In 1936, at age 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He received training as a marine engineer and earned the rank of Fireman First Class. He was Honorably Discharged from the Navy in 1940. In 1941, Bob enlisted in the US Merchant Marine. He sailed with the Merchant Marine throughout World War II and was Honorably Discharged on August 15, 1945 with the rank of Lieutenant JG. Following his military service, Bob, returned to Kansas City in 1945 and married Mary Eileen Lynch. He and Eileen had four sons and were married for 30 years. She preceded him in death in 1975. While in Kansas City, Bob began his career as a structural ironworker. He and his family later relocated to Long Beach, CA where he continued working as a union ironworker through local 433. He retired in 1985. During his career, Bob worked on projects for several well-known companies; He was the foreman on a project that created the first "People Mover" and "Rocket" ride at Disneyland. He was also involved with construction of a set façade for the movie "Hello Dolly" that was the tallest ever built at that time. In his later career, Bob worked for Hughes Aircraft building equipment used to test satellites. In 1983, Bob married his 2nd wife, Pauline (Polly) Todd, in Long Beach. She preceded him in death in 2005. After their marriage, Bob and Polly moved to Arroyo Grande, CA. In 1997, Bob and Polly moved to Grove, OK and bought their dream home on Grand Lake. He was an avid fisherman and could be found on the lake on almost every day that the weather permitted. Bob continued to live in this home until his death. Bob is survived by his four sons, Robert Anderson and wife Joy of Willow Springs, MO, William Anderson, Richard Anderson and wife Maureen, and Donald Anderson and wife Lori, all of Long Beach, CA; and two stepdaughters, Cheryl McClay and husband Michael of Columbia, SC and Jayne Turner and husband Roger of Ottawa, KS. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and his canine buddies, Izzy and Pita. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at Ellis Funeral Home in Grove 1:00 PM on Friday, October 2, 2015. Memorial donations can be made to Second Chance Pet Rescue of Grove, OK. Services are under the direction of Ellis Family Funeral Home, Grove, OK. Online condolences can be made by viewing Bob's Book of Memories at www.ellisfuneralhome.com

Service Details

Friday, October 2nd, 2015 1:00pm, Ellis Family Funeral Home Chapel