Donald Ray Anderson

Don was born on July 8, 1954, in Houston, Texas, the second of Jim and Carolyn Anderson’s children. He grew up in Houston, attending Rogers Jr. High and Robert E. Lee High School, and went on to Texas A&M University, continuing a lifelong devotion to the Aggies that he shared with his uncle and cousins, and passed down to his own family. It was faith in Jesus Christ, family, and the mountains, though, that he treasured most. Some of his happiest days were spent in the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado, hiking, camping, and gathering everyone he loved around him, and few seasons brought him more joy than Christmas.

He built a decades-long career in the oil and gas industry, serving in roles from technical sales to opening new offices, and in 1995, he moved his family to West Texas to help expand an oil field company’s presence in the Permian Basin. He was a trusted corporate mentor, known for investing in the people around him as much as the work itself.

Don came to faith as a young man, around the time he married Beverly, and from then on, it was woven into every part of his life. A devoted member of Redeemer Church in Midland, he and Beverly served faithfully as greeters. He especially loved shaking hands with the children as they came in and opening their home to community groups and countless dinners. He had a particular heart for encouraging young men to pursue their dreams and persevere through hard times, and he and Beverly mentored and befriended many newlywed couples. He loved studying the Bible, sharing coffee with the men of his church, and ministering to others over a meal at his table.

Those who knew Don knew a generous man, one who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was quick-witted and genuinely funny, with a gift for making everyone around him feel at ease and welcome. He loved his church family, his second-favorite town, Durango, Colorado, a good book, and, above all, the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly Anderson of Midland; his sons and their families, Kyle and Kariann Anderson and their sons JD, Luke, and Jack of Midland; Paul and Shel Anderson and their children Carter, Margaret Ann, and William of Midland; and Drew and Jennifer Anderson and their daughters Ruth, Rebekah, and Rachel of Aubrey, along with nine cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Ken Anderson, and wife, Susan, of Brenham; his sister, Amy Klodginski, and husband, Alan, of Houston; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Anderson; his mother, Carolyn Anderson; and his brother, Jimmy Anderson.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who walked this road with Don, the teams at Texas Oncology in Odessa, MD Anderson, Heart to Heart Hospice, and Faithful Journey Home Care, who sat with him through the night and whose compassion and care meant a great deal to him and to his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 30th at Redeemer Church, 3601 N Lamesa Rd, Midland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.