Joe E. Anderson

Joe was born in Galveston, Texas, on March 18, 1928. After graduating from Ball High School (the oldest high school in Texas) in 1945, he became the first of his family to attend college when he enrolled at the University of Texas in Austin. As a young student he enjoyed playing in the Longhorn Band. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in government and political science in 1950. Two years later, Joe entered the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1956. He served in the Korean War, where he received a National Defense Service Medal and a Korean Service Medal for his distinguished service. Upon his return, he continued his studies at the University of Texas where he graduated in 1959 from the School of Law.

Joe's accomplished career as a lawyer is closely tied to San Antonio, where he served as the Assistant City Attorney for the City for three years and later as an attorney for Bexar County. One of Joe's most notable projects while working for Bexar County was to implement and build Loop 1604 in the 1960's that is today one of San Antonio's most widely-traveled highways.

Joe began teaching at St. Mary's University School of Law in the 1960s and is fondly remembered for the moral and ethical strengths he impressed upon those he worked with and taught. During his 26 years as a Professor of Law at St. Mary's University, he specialized in the fields of public law, constitutional law, torts, and evidence.

Aside from teaching and practicing law, Joe was very active in the San Antonio community. He served 15 years on the Board of Directors of Bexar County Legal Aid Association, he was a Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of the Alzafar Shrine. He was also an active member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist of San Antonio. Joe also had a great love of music and took great pride in his German heritage and was a member of San Antonio's Beethoven Band for many years.

Upon his retirement as a Professor in 1994, Joe's friends and colleagues established the Joe E. Anderson Endowed Law Scholarship to award academically qualified and financially challenged students, a scholarship that continues to benefit St. Mary's University law students today.

Above all, Joe was a devoted husband, a principled scholar, a talented musician, and a loving family man. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mrs. Margaret McAninch Anderson. Joe was preceded in death by his son, Johnny Anderson, 1987.

Memorial services will be held at Chandler Estates House, 137 West French Place, San Antonio, TX on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 2:30 pm. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joe E. Anderson Endowed Law Scholarship at St. Mary's University School of Law or to a charitable organization of your choice.