David James Anderson

One April day in the spring of 1971, the world got a whole lot brighter as Tim and Nedra Anderson welcomed their first son, David James Anderson, into their arms. For the next 55 years, David illuminated a path of happiness for us all to follow as he shared his light and selflessly lightened the burdens of everyone lucky enough to know him.

David’s early years were spent in the Washington, D.C. area; Mountain Home, Idaho; and North Logan, Utah. From a young age, he was fascinated by the world’s systems and intricacies, and he lived in the quest of knowledge and adventure. David was a fearless outdoorsman who enjoyed nature in every season. Skiing, rock climbing, mountaineering, and camping were his favorite activities and great passions throughout his life. David had a natural gift for building and repairing. His curiosity and keen mind were always active, working on everything from small machines to detailed welds to performing highly reactive chemistry experiments with his friends. David was an eager and motivated learner who excelled as a student at Sky View High School, at Utah State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree, and at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he earned a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering.

David served faithfully as a powerful missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for two years in the Leeds England Mission where he shared his strong testimony of the restored gospel and invited others to come unto Christ as he had. A lifetime of devoted church service followed as David loved God with all his heart, might, mind, and strength. He loved his neighbor as himself as he served in many capacities in his congregation, most recently as bishop of the Sandario Ward in the Marana Arizona Stake.

Family and friends somehow knew that David Anderson and the lovely Sherida Horner were meant to be together forever and encouraged David to get to know this amazing girl. David and Sherida wrote an inspiring love story during their long distance courtship, and in 1997 David married the love of his life in the Logan Utah Temple, sealed for time and all eternity. They became parents to five beautiful daughters who are the light of their lives. Together they have created a happy, Christ-centered home filled with worthy pursuits, hilarious humor, hard work, and loving hearts. Natalee (Caleb Postma), Heidi, Lucy, Marci, and Tiffany were blessed with a dad who never rested until he had done everything he could to make sure all his girls had everything they needed. Over the years they all joked that dad could fix anything…except sticky hands and whining! The wisdom and optimistic mindset David shared with his children gave them all a strong foundation in the things that matter most, and David’s patience, dedication, and constant generosity were a daily demonstration of his endless love for them.

David and Sherida made their home in Tucson where they met lifelong friends who became their Arizona family, and with whom they have shared all the wonders and challenges of raising their families and building a strong community. David was a born engineer with a natural gift for problem-solving. During his 29 years as a mechanical engineer at Raytheon, David’s high-minded goals, creativity, intellect, broad skill base, and technical knowledge contributed to great success in his professional endeavors. He used these same skills to bless the lives of everyone he knew, serving others continually in countless ways.

David was active in Scouting in his youth, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. As an adult, David continued to exemplify those values and mentored young people as a scoutmaster and in other scout, church, and community groups. In addition to his five sweet daughters, David had many honorary sons who learned to be ”trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent” on many fun-filled expeditions, thanks to David’s noble example, adventurous spirit, and skilled leadership.

Throughout his life, there was no challenge David would not take on, no broken thing he could not rebuild, no issue too complex to tackle, no mountain too high to climb, no place he could not improve, and no person he would not help. No matter what challenge came his way, David met it with positivity and patience that were nothing short of legendary, with a ready laugh and the BRIGHTEST smile that never quit. His was a life of humble, consecrated service to his God, his family, and his community. A wide circle of loving family members and dear friends attest that their lives are infinitely better because of the influence of our valiant David.

David is a beloved husband, father, son, grandson, brother, uncle, friend, and a hero to us all. Above all, David is a disciple of Jesus Christ whose commitment to his Savior permeates every aspect of his life. May we all embrace the truths David taught us as he courageously faced a terminal cancer diagnosis and prepared to take his next step in eternal progression:

“I testify that we have a Savior Jesus Christ, who knows us, He loves us, He reaches out to us in the areas that we need…I testify that our Savior is real and there is a plan for us…Sometimes different trials hit us but the Lord is always there to help us…We have a Father in Heaven who is our Father. Know that we are children of God, and His Beloved Son Jesus Christ is sensitive to our feelings and our afflictions. ‘Therefore dearly beloved, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power, and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God and for His arm to be revealed.’ Keep praying…and have faith that our Heavenly Father and Jesus have true power to save us.”

David, there are no words to express how we love you. We honor your life of happiness and goodness, your pure heart, your all-encompassing love, and your boundless faith. We will strive to follow the Christlike example of your “shining light, that shineth more and more” and “groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” God be with you until we joyfully meet again, and “the Lord God will wipe away” all our tears.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at the Tucson West Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 3530 W Magee Road. Visitation will be held prior to the services from 10-11:15 am. Internment will be in the Marana Cemetery.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all who have provided so much love and support.

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