David N. Anderson

love and surrounded by his family at home.

David took his first breath on July 19th, 1946, born to Silas and Annette Anderson in Harrisburg,

IL. He was predeceased by his parents. He was the younger and only brother to sisters Carolyn,

Catherine, and Nancy. He married Elizabeth on March 15, 1969 in Decatur, IL.

After graduating from Harrisburg High School in 1964, he worked in radio for ten years during

the 1960s and early 1970s, first for two years with his hometown WEBQ, followed by WGGH in

nearby Marion while attending SIU Carbondale, and then in Decatur at WDZ. His final stop as a

radio man was a stint as news director of Springfield’s WDBR and WTAX while pursuing a

master’s degree in communications at Sangamon State University (UIS). Hired in 1974 as the

Illinois State Bar Association’s director of public affairs, he maintained that title for 39 years until

his retirement while also serving in a variety of other posts including associate executive

director.

David’s family, friends, and colleagues would aptly describe him as “the great communicator”

and someone who considered the empowerment of others to be a measurement of success. He

was known to choose his words carefully and valued quality over quantity. He imbued a natural

respect for and curiosity of the mysteries of the universe, with balance and equality resonating

as factors that guided his way of life. He loved stargazing, gardening, puzzles, music, Fourth of

July fireworks, barbecue and chocolate cake. He could win a game of pool with one eye closed

and hardly trying. He drove a little fast, and always looked amazing in his Havana hat,

sometimes a cigar in hand. He had the best stories- once he fought Muhammad Ali on a busy

street corner, but that’s one for another time…

David is lovingly survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth “Bette” Anderson, three children,

Matthew Anderson, Sarah Anderson, and Katherine Moore as well as son-in-law Nicholas

Moore, and grandchildren Toby, Gabriel, Liliana, and Jameson. He is also survived by his three

sisters and ten nieces and nephews residing in locations in the US from coast to coast, and

Australia. David loved nothing more than the time spent with his family.

Burial at Rhine Cemetery, Raleigh, IL and private ceremony will be at a later date. Donations

can be made in David’s honor to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or to Central Illinois

Foodbank. He believed in science, fairness, and helping others.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.