Anderson, Kenneth Wayne 1927-2007

ANDERSON, HARP, MILLER

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/18/2008 at 19:54:29

Kenneth Wayne Anderson was born on March 25, 1927, in Chariton. He was one of 12 children born to Maggie Bethel Harp and Charles Wesley Anderson. Wayne entered the US Army in 1945. He was stationed in Berlin at a prisoner -of-war camp.

On Sept. 8, 1950, Wayne was united in marriage to Elzora Dellola Miller. To this union six children were born.

For many years Wayne was employed in various grocery stores in Knoxville: buying, selling, cutting meat and managing. He worked at Jennings Food Center, Braida Grocery and the Super Value. He owned and managed AC Meat Market for ten years.

In 1982, Wayne joined the Knoxville Police Department. He truly loved his work as an officer. After his retirement Wayne stayed active as an inspector for the Knoxville Public Housing, a volunteer as a Disabled American Veteran driver, helping and serving veterans, a youth counselor, probation and reserve police officer.

Wayne was a professional Dad and Grandpa. He doted on his children and truly adored the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When his children were young Wayne coached Little League baseball and served as church superintendent.

Wayne and Zody shared many activities. Zody shopped and sold antiques while Wayne moved and stored them. Zody planned various home projects and Wayne helped with the construction. Although Wayne was a homebody, whenever Zody wanted to travel, he was always ready to accompany her. He enjoyed the outdoors spending many hours with his gardening and fishing.

Wayne Anderson passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines, at the age of 80.

He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Zody; one son, Randy; two sisters; one brother and two infant siblings.

Those left to mourn his passing are his five children and their spouses; Ranell and Ray Gendron of Temple, Texas, Rachell Diane and Gordon Karr of Robinson, Texas, Tyrone and Suzanne Anderson of Des Moines, Michaela and Tom King of Des Moines and Lisa and Kim Jahner of Montgomery City, Mo.; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four sisters, Marilyn (Jack) Runnells of Chariton, Evelyn (Rex) Heck of West Des Moines, Maxine Maxwell and Betty Lou (Larry) McKnight of Indianola and two brothers, Jack (Betty) Anderson of Melcher and Don (Joyce) Anderson of Chariton.

A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, at the First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville with Rev. R. D. Streeter officiating. Interment will be at a later time in Graceland Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the John Myers VFW Post #3519, Baty-Tucker American Legion Post #168 and the United States Army Casualty Assistance Corp. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Anderson to the First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. Williams Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

The Knoxville Journal Express, December 28, 2007