A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, May 25 in the Chapel of Conroe First United Methodist Church, located 4308 W Davis St, Conroe, TX 77304.
John was born in Camden, Arkansas to E.T. (Andy) and Charlotte Anderson on July 24, 1938. He graduated from the University of Houston with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering degree, later earning his certification as a Professional Engineer. He married Carole Lynn Harris on August 7, 1965 in Houston, Texas. He worked in the manufacturing sector here in Houston for many years at many companies including Hydril, until he retired as Vice President of Manufacturing with Hunt Valve of Salem Ohio in 1999 and moved to April Sound near Montgomery, TX. He also served in the Air Force National Guard at Ellington Field from 1960 to 1968.
He lived a Christian life and was always extremely involved in his children’s activities, and community service throughout his life. His service included Alief Independent School District School Board member and President, 1969-1975, Skating Club of Texas President, NWAL swim team starter, and Cub Scout Den Leader.
Sports were also an integral part of his life. It is a legacy he passed down to his four children.
He competed in track, bowling, volleyball, golf leagues, and the Senior Olympics throughout his life. He was a big fan of all Houston professional sports teams, and, both UH and Aggie athletics. His hobbies included photography, building custom golf clubs, and travelling to see most of the world. He also had a fondness for the Indianapolis 500 and made an annual pilgrimage to Indianapolis for the race.
He was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease at 32 and spent the rest of his life educating himself and others about the disease, actively participating in national PKD Foundation including conventions, the local chapter, and initiating a Walk for PKD in Houston. In July 2000, he received a kidney from his wife, Carole. After the transplant he became involved with the National and World Transplant Olympic Games. He competed across the U.S. and the world. He won 35 medals (many of those gold), competing in a variety of events including shot put, discus, javelin, rowing, riflery, volleyball, track, and golf.
His greatest legacy is his family. He took great pride in his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren. He made it a point to participate and support each of his children in their passions. All feel he was an incredible father and the standard of how to live both a passionate and compassionate life.
John is preceded in death by his parents, E.T. (Andy) and Charlotte Anderson, as well as his sister, Charlotte Maluski.
John is survived by his wife, Carole, his daughter Cynthia with spouse, Mark; his sons John III with spouse, Bonnie; Donald with spouse Cyndi, and Richard with spouse, Katie and his eight grandchildren Mallory Ann Harrison, Zachary Gordon Harrison, Camarie Elizabeth Anderson, Madeline Grace Anderson, Abigail Lynn Anderson, Connor Martin Anderson, Riley Harper Anderson, and Hailey Caroline Anderson. He will also be missed by an extended family including his niece and nephews along with an host of friends.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the paramedics and ER personnel who worked with extreme swiftness and vigor. We would also like to thank the many doctors in the Houston Texas Medical Center without whom we would not have been able to enjoy so much time with John over these many years.
