John Andersen

John was born August 10, 1944, in Erding, Germany, to Hans Wanniger and Ellen Marie Reeds. He graduated from Parkway High School in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1962.

John served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1988. He retired on January 1, 1989, with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, having served as a Senior Enlisted Leader and First Sergeant. He completed multiple overseas long tours as a medic and was awarded multiple Meritorious Service Medals among other honors. His military service was a source of great pride to him and his family.

After his Air Force retirement, John worked for the State of Alabama Medicaid office before fully retiring. He was a devoted Mason and active member of Air Force One Lodge #889 in Montgomery and the Alcazar Shrine, serving in various roles and valuing fellowship, mentorship, and service to others.

A lifelong hot rod enthusiast, John restored, customized, and cruised classic cars and motorcycles, most notably his ‘55 Chevy. He loved riding his Harley, loud stereos, traveling internationally, grilling and creating his own barbecue sauces, attending car shows, fishing, golfing, and collecting and shooting guns. Above all else, John loved his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Tom Reeds, his grandson, Johnathan Odham. He is survived by his wife, Donna Andersen, his brother, Joseph Reeds, his daughters Dawn Andersen and Kimberly Andersen, Grandchildren - Michael (Kristen) Johnston, Alexandria (Mark) Andersen, Madison (Matthew) Shanks, Sara (Jose) Prieto, Renee (Cody) Miser, Alejandro (Brianna) Gutierrez, Ryan (Madalyn) Searcy, Katie (William) Andersen, and great grandchildren - Patience, Ariana, Jason, Kinsley, Hadley, Chloe, Ella, Solomon, Texley, Charlotte, Camila, Dalia, Rayden, and Theodore.

The funeral service will be on April 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Leak Memory Chapel in Montgomery, with interment at Greenwood Cemetery with full military honors. John’s warmth, pride in service, and love of cars and family will be deeply missed.