MGySgt. Dallen Keith Anderson, USMC RET

Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant, USMC, Dallen Keith Anderson, 79, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2018 in Wilmington, NC. Keith was born Nov. 2, 1938 in Tamms, Illinois and entered military service in 1957 after graduating from Edwardsville High School in 1956.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Keith Anderson loved the United States Marine Corps where he spent 30 years on active duty. He served with honor and distinction as a Combat Engineer Platoon Sergeant with the 3rd Battalion in Vietnam during hostile operations, and later as a drill Instructor at Parris Island and Camp Pendleton, in addition to many other US and overseas duty station assignments during his career. He also served as Maintenance Chief in Okinawa, and retired as Maintenance Chief at Camp Lejeune in 1997. His military honors include: the Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Navy Unit Citations, nine Good Conduct awards, .45 pistol and M-16 Expert Marksman Badges and many others.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Keith dabbled a little in small business, but primarily enjoyed spending time with friends and family in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina where he lived until his death. He was a member of Salem Baptist Church, the Topsail Island Moose Lodge 2061, the VFW Post 2573, Disabled American Veterans Chapter: Onslow County #16, and American Legion Post 0167.

Keith’s love for the Marine Corps was steadfast and strong. He loved God, his family, friends, the outdoors and his John Deere riding lawn mower. He was always quick to tell an entertaining joke with his friends. Those nearest to him, referred to him with nicknames like “Top”, “Pops” or “My darling Keith”. His lively personality and unique sense of humor will never be forgotten by those who knew him.

Keith is survived by his mother, Marie Evelyn Strader of Maryville IL; daughters, Nancy Jo Anderson of Greenville, NC; Karen Klaus and husband, Mark of Evansville, IN; Evelyn Harris Elder and husband, Larry of Ontario, Canada; Robin Mitchell and husband, Mike of San Diego, CA; sons, Matthew Harris of Stuart, FL; and Al Warren and wife Teri of Wilmington, NC; grandchildren, Rachel, Jessica, Michael, Steven, Warren, Jordan and Shannon; great- grandchildren, Jacob, Alyson and Waymon; special friend, Carol Smith, of Sneads Ferry, NC. And, his beloved dog, Buddy. Predeceased by daughter, Susan Anderson Dannenberg; his wives, Eleanor Harris Anderson and Patricia Warren Anderson and his brother, Michael Anderson.

Visitation will be from 3-5 PM, on Sunday, March 18th at Andrew’s Mortuary, located at 17730 Hwy. 17N in Hampstead, NC. His full Military Honors funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, March 19th at the Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, located at 110 Montford Landing Rd., in Jacksonville, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter: Onslow County #16.