William M. "Bill" Anderson

William M. "Bill" Anderson, 79, of Indianapolis, IN passed away January 21, 2022. He was born August 30, 1942 in Indianapolis to the late Arnold and Evelyn Anderson. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Rene Y. Anderson; sister, Norma Rivers; brothers-in-law, Ned Rivers and Roland Sturm; nephew, Glenn Sturm; and great-nephew, Jeremy Sturm. Bill was proud to have been a Cardinal, Graduate of Southport High School, Class of ’60, where he played the trumpet in their band. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, Sonar Technician 2nd Class serving in U.S.S. Ernest G. Small DD-838 and U.S.S. Providence CLG 6. He joined the Navy “to see the world”. Bill was introduced to sales as a “door-to-door” encyclopedia salesman after he left the service. He then responded to a newspaper ad to sell Yellow Pages advertising for GTE in 1965. During his 28 years at GTE, he was promoted from sales trainee to VP of Far East Asia Directories. Bill and Rene enjoyed many years living the expatriate life in Bangkok, Manilla, Hong Kong, and Bangalore India. Developing a refined taste for good food and fine wine, there were many dinners enjoyed with fellow expats at the club. Following dinner, Bill enjoyed engaging in robust business and political conversation while enjoying an aromatic puff on his favorite pipe. During his stay in the orient, Bill was elected by his peers to serve as President of the Far East Asia Business Association. He also served in various positions within several clubs and organization both stateside and abroad. Following retirement, Bill and Rene moved back to the U.S. to Atlanta, Georgia. While there, he was co-owner, along with his wife Rene, of Passport Gateway Magazine. They then settled into the Historical District in San Antonio, Texas for years before making the decision to return home to Indiana to be with family. Bill is survived by his sister, Phyllis Sturm; nieces and nephews, Sharon and Wendell Riddle, Mike and Adonness Sturm, Rob and Paige Sturm, Kathleen Rivers, Kris and John Schaefer, Sue Rivers and Kimmy Winnubst, Debbie and Jeff Ulrey, Dwayne and Bonnie Baker, and Kimberley and John Kiefer; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Special thanks to his Magnolia Spring South Pointe’s Caregivers and Angela Canary. He will be laid to rest at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood, IN. Contributions in his memory may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project.