Sylvester Theodore Anderson

Sylvester Theodore Anderson, “Andy”, age 96 transitioned to new life in heaven on Sunday, October 20, 2024. He was the youngest of 7 children born to Samuel T. and Pearl Anderson on May 22, 1928, in Mountain View, Oklahoma.

He moved with his parents to Tempe in 1945. He met his future wife, Virginia Spain while attending Tempe High School, where they graduated class of 1948. Sylvester and Virginia were married in the First Baptist Church of Tempe in June 1951.

Sylvester learned to fly small aircraft at the Tempe airport, which was just across Broadway Road from the High School. He enlisted in the Air National Guard, with dreams of becoming an Air Force pilot. However, the Guard was disbanded, so he needed to find other work. When the city of Tempe made the decision to fund full time firefighters, since he had been a volunteer, he applied. He was chosen to become one of the first group of paid fire fighters in Tempe.

Several years later Andy accepted a position as Fire Marshall at Arizona State University. He was instrumental in implementing the recently adopted OSHA standards in all the buildings. He retired from ASU in the mid 1980s which freed him up to pursue other interests.

He served at church as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and was on planning committees as the church grew and needed a new location. For many years he was part of a Sunday Morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast.

Believing that Gods Word can change someone’s life, Andy belonged to the Gideon ministry which places Bibles in hotels and prisons, and offers Bibles to members of the military.

Andy and Virginia had 4 children, and family was always a priority. Summer vacations to visit relatives in OK were standard, and always included something more - east to Tennessee, or north thru Colorado and eventually all of the western US. . After they became empty-nesters, they enjoyed traveling with groups of friends, visiting Hawaii, New England, Branson, and Israel, and cruises, particularly enjoying Panama Canal.

Andy is predeceased by his parents, all 6 siblings, and his wife of 69 years, Virginia. He is survived by his four children; Pamela Seaman (Kevin), Suzanne Roderick (Mike), Larry Anderson (Wendy), and David Anderson (Linda), 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Andy’s children gratefully acknowledge the loving care and support given to their parents over the past 8 years by the staff at Clearwater Assisted Living in Gilbert.

Andys Celebration of Life will be held on Friday November 8, at First Baptist Church of Tempe, 4525 S McClintock Drive, with viewing at 9:00 and Service at 10:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Gideons International, or First Baptist Church memorial fund.