John Richard Anderson

Richard started his military career in the Army Reserves (1980 -1998) and began his full-time active-duty military career in the US Army, where he served a tour in Iraq (2008-2009), and retired in October 2018. During his military career, Richard most valued the care of the families of fallen soldiers and the safety and wellbeing of the soldiers he worked with.

Born to John and Diane Anderson in Plattsburg, New York on October 28, 1958, Richard was a military kid whose father’s time in the Air Force moved the family all over the U.S. Some of the places the family called home was Florida, Washington, California, New Mexico and they finally settled in Provo, Utah when Richard was 11. Richard was lucky enough to grow up in a neighborhood where his grandparents lived, where he often frequented. Richard graduated from Provo High School before joining the Army Reserves.

Richard married his devoted wife and best friend, Barbara, on September 22, 1988.

Richard is survived by his wife, Barbara; his beloved brother Jim Anderson; two sisters, Sharon Jensen (Nels) and Carol Nielson (Hugh); loving daughters, Tracy Blackham (David), Amanda Cole (David) and two sons, Cliff Anderson (Lizette) and Justin Anderson. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Tiana Cole (Sheldon), Rhiannon Blackham, Madeline Hyde (Quintin), Jayden Clymer, Amelie Blackham, Corbin Clymer, Jackson Wyatt Anderson and Juan Waylon Anderson, and his cherished great grandchildren, Rebecca, Titus, Kimber, Finn and Lauren, who will all miss him dearly.

Richard loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting with the boys. He also enjoyed gardening with his family (he was a master gardener), woodworking, weather tracking and loved nature. Richard enjoyed a good conversation and was always willing to lend a helping hand and a sympathetic ear.

He is now reunited in heaven with his daughter Brandy, sister Debbie, parents, John and Diane, and his caring grandparents, where they welcomed him home with open, loving arms.

Psalm 4:8 – "In peace I will both lie down and sleep,

For Thou alone, O Lord, dost make me dwell in safety."

- Amen