Richard Lee Anderson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Richard Lee Anderson on November 17, 2024, at the age of 87. Surrounded by the love and care of his son Ron and his wife Dawn, his daughter-in-law Kathleen, and his granddaughters Alyssa and Kearsten, Richard’s final moments reflected the profound connection he shared with his family.

Born on March 26, 1937, in Seminole, Oklahoma, to Raymond and Alice Anderson, Richard was a man of great character and deep love for his family. On October 25, 1957, he married the love of his life, Doris Arthur, in their hometown of Seminole. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

In 1965, Richard and Doris relocated to Washington, where they raised their family. Richard worked at the Simpson Timber Company until he was forced into early retirement due to a back injury. While this marked the end of one chapter, it allowed him to fully embrace a new role as an exceptional house husband. Whether gardening, doing laundry, or watching over his granddaughters when they were "too sick to be at home" (or simply wanting to visit Granny and Papa), Richard brought dedication and joy to everything he did. This included being an active member of the baptist church and engaging in speaking the word of god through leading prayer at our family functions.

Richard and Doris shared a love for adventure, traveling across the United States to explore the East Coast and reconnect with family in the South before returning to Washington. Richard was known for his love of Bingo, playing the one arm bandits, retelling his favorite stories, pestering his granddaughters, and spending quality time with his loved ones. In his final weeks, he cherished games of dominos with his caregiver, Laura, and rounds of Yahtzee with his granddaughters.

Richard is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Doris, his parents, brothers, sister and his son Robert Anderson.

He is survived by his children: Rick Anderson, Ron Anderson and his wife Dawn, and Kathleen Anderson (daughter-in-law); grandchildren: Jesse Anderson, Alyssa and Kearsten Anderson, Josh Clements, and Shane Rivers; and great-grandchildren: Axl and Atleigh Anderson, Baylian, Ramzi, and Thatcher Clements, and Ashleyanna and Emmie Rivers. He also leaves behind his sister-in-laws Cora, Geraldine, and Peggy Anderson.

Richard was an amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who left an indelible impression on all who knew him. His warmth, humor, and kindness will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Mills and Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater, Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grace Baptist Church Mission fund, P.O. Box 563 DuPont, WA 98327 or to Animal Services, 3120 Martin Way, Olympia, WA 98506 in honor of Richard’s love for his faith and animals, thank you.

After the service the family would like to extend an invitation to go to Lucky Eagle casino to celebrate one of Richard’s favorite pastimes, the one arm bandits!