Everett Anderson

Everett "Lefty" Anderson, Jr., 95, passed quietly on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at home with his family in Rock Island, IL. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 18th, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moline. Burial with Military Honors accorded by American Legion Post #246, will be at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Everett, a southpaw, was fondly known as "Lefty" from an early age. He was born March 22, 1917, in Chicago, son of John Everett and Torberg Anderson, both new citizens recently arrived from Swedon. The Depression brought difficult changes to many, and Lefty never forgot the assistance and refuge provided to his family by the Salvation Army at a time of need. Lefty attended elementary school in Chicago. From his early teens, he resided at the Andover Lutheran Home for Children. The Andover Home was a working farm, where a strong work ethic was necessary as the livestock always required attention. Lefty spoke fondly of this time, recalling regular horseback rides in summer to swim in the Edwards River. He attended Andover High School, and graduated from Orion High School in 1935, playing basketball with his 6'4" frame. He graduated from Augustana College in 1939. The first year he attended college by day and worked at the Farmall Steel Mill by night. Throughout college he juggled work, studies, and an active Augie social life. While at Augustana, he was a member of the Omicron Sigma Omicron fraternity. A greeting he learned as an OZO: "Who doth disturb the serenity of this august assemblage?" was used often to answer a knock or a phone call. In 1938, he was elected Vi-King, with the distinction of being the only Vi-King with two elected Vi-Queens. After college graduation, he worked for John Deere until joining the U.S. Navy in 1941. He served in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war aboard Fleet Oilers at a time when submarine and kamikaze attacks on the Fleet were common. He was recalled again for service in the Korean War, and retired from the U.S. Navy with the rank of Captain. On October 2, 1944, he began a 65-year adventure in marriage with Ruth Allison of Boston. Together they raised four children: Brice, Laurie, Darcy, and Blake. Lefty and Ruth loved and educated their four children. They were wise and consistent in their rearing, instilling a love of the natural world. All fondly remember receiving an early morning Birthday phone call and hearing a well-practiced "Happy Birthday" in perfect harmony. Lefty began a 40-year career as an Investment Broker with Merrill, Lynch in 1946. His knowledge and market instincts, coupled with his strong work ethic, gained him recognition from both company and community. Referred to by the investment community as "Mr. Davenport", he shepherded banks, trust accounts, and individual clients through dangerous waters again. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for over 60 years, and a long-standing supporter of Augustana College and the City of Rock Island. Lefty and Ruth shared a diverse group of friends. They sponsored many a theme party, loved dancing, and were active participants in a Bridge Club where no one ever played Bridge. Lefty was a past President of Short Hills Country Club, and found golf to be the most challenging of games, yet was often seen chasing sunset on the 18th hole. Lefty loved and was loved by many. His children knew his values and what was expected. He was a caring, honorable man, brave and noble at the end. The family appreciates the caregivers whose support allowed Lefty to remain at home with his family. Survivors are: his sister Erma Lazenby of Rock Island; his brother George (Betty) Anderson of Fairfield Glade, TN; and his children: Brice Anderson of Rock Island, Laurie (Kenneth Cooper) Anderson of San Francisco, CA, Darcy (Steven F. Burke) Anderson of Rock Island, and Blake (Darcy Schluter) Anderson of Henderson, NV. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Wilder M. Burke Anderson, August A. Cooper, Quinn F. Burke Anderson, Kelsey R. Anderson, Greer G. Burke Anderson, and Abby K. Anderson; his sister-in-law, Helen Allison Anderson; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Florence and Violet, and his loving wife Ruth. Memorials may be made to Augustana College Theatre Department Ruth Allison Anderson Playwright Award, or the Quad-City Audubon Society.

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