John Edwin Anderson, 77, of Springfield, died at 1:45 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. John was born in Emporia, Kansas on May 24, 1939, the son of John G. and Alice Hogue Anderson. He married Penelope Brooks on December 21, 1968 in Springfield, IL. John graduated from Illinois College and obtained a master's degree in Mathematics at Sangamon State University. He served our country in the U.S. Army. He taught at Pleasant Plains High School and later worked for the State of Illinois. John was a kind and gentle person who loved to learn and teach. He enjoyed jazz, opera, reading, golfing, and being with family and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Penny; daughter, Kristina M. (Craig) Bottomley; sons, Robert E. (Linda Johansson) Anderson, John E. (Jeanne) Anderson, and Joseph C. (Tabitha Spires) Anderson; and siblings, Karen Specht and Signe James. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Private graveside ceremonies will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
