Max Grant Anderson

Max “Grant” Anderson was born September 25th, 1941 at Boone hospital to John William Clarice (J.W.C.) Anderson of Buda, IL and Nina Olive (McCracken) Anderson of Diamond, MO. Sadly, when Grant was two years old, his father passed away from a sudden heart attack at age 42. Seven years later, Grant’s mother passed away from cervical cancer at the age of 49. Grant and his older brother, John William Crisman Anderson, went to live with their uncle and aunt, Raymond and Neva Schroeder. His two cousins, Sandra “Sandy” Rae and Neva Rae “Candy,” became his sisters. He continued on in the church of his parents at The First Baptist Church of Columbia and In April, 1953, at the age of 11, he chose to be baptized. When younger, he loved reading the Hardy Boys Mystery series, and maintained a love of reading his entire life up into a few years before his passing. He also had a love for the game of Solitaire.

Grant attended the University Lab school from elementary through 8th grade and graduated from David H. Hickman High in 1959. He later received a Bachelors in Economics from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa. He was active duty with the National Guard for 6 months and in the reserves for 5 years.

In a whirlwind romance, Grant married Rose Ann Speichinger on May 6th, 1978 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Brunswick, MO; they were engaged after knowing each other for two months. From their union, four children were born: John William, Paul Raymond, Jeffery Grant, and Angela Ruth. Grant was a family man and loved his wife and children.

Grant worked several jobs around Columbia with the most notable being as a technician at Vickers Manufacturing and, most recently, at Gerbes on Broadway, where he worked for decades in multiple positions such as being a deli attendant and later as a bagger (the bagger position at the request of the store so that the customer’s last experience would be a sociable and friendly face). He continued working up until a few months after his wife’s death in 2022.

Grant will be remembered with loving affection by his children; his brother, Cris Anderson; his sister, Sandy Shane; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. Grant was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt and uncle who raised him, and his wife.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 7th at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, MO from 2-4pm. Prayer Service for Christian Burial will be on December 8th at 2:30pm at St. Raphael’s in Indian Grove, MO* with internment in the graveyard abutting the church. A meal is to follow in nearby Brunswick, MO.

Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

*St. Raphael’s was built in 1885 and has no indoor facilities. It is suggested to stop in Keytesville, MO for a restroom break before attending the service. Heating system is not functioning in the church, so be sure to dress appropriately.

For directions to St. Raphael's church and cemetery copy and paste url if it does not allow you to click: https://goo.gl/maps/qjPDz8h5W5W59kKt5