The Rev. Howard Dale Anderson, son of the late Verlin Dale and Anna Marie (Miles) Anderson, was born Jan. 12, 1947, in Lebanon, and departed this life Oct. 29, 2021, at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Columbia. He was 74 years, 9 months and 17 days of age. Howard grew up in Lebanon and attended the one room school, Upper O’Dell, until eighth grade. He then attended and graduated from Conway High School in 1965. After graduation, Howard enlisted in the United States Army and received his training in Postal Operations at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind. In January of 1967, he was sent to Vietnam. During his time there, he made many lifelong friends that he considered brothers, including David Schaffner, whom he stayed in contact with all through the years. There were many times God moved Howard and kept him safe. Several of the outposts he was at came under attack shortly after he had transferred. Howard answered his call into the ministry in March of 1967 while he was in Vietnam. He returned to the states and was stationed at Fort Holabird, Md. in January of 1968. He served as a Military Police Officer and in the Commissioners Court and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant E5 on Aug. 16, 1970. Then, Sep. 5, 1970, Howard became an ordained Free Will Baptist minister. Howard was united in marriage to Diana Fern Eden on Aug. 15, 1970. Two children were born to this union, Scotty Lynn Anderson and Sandra Dian Anderson. They made their home in the Dove Community outside of Lebanon, until 1990. In 1990, Howard began full-time ministry and served many churches across the state of Missouri which included The Dove Bible Church, Union Mission, Amity Free Will Baptist, Bailey Chapel Free Will Baptist, Willow Springs Free Will Baptist of Mountain Grove, First Free Will Baptist of Cape Girardeau, Blue Springs Free Will Baptist and Licking Free Will Baptist. For 50 years, Howard never wavered in his ministry to win souls for the kingdom of God. He also served on many state and local boards for the Free Will Baptist. For eight years he faithfully served on the Missouri State Youth Ministries Board. In 2010, due to failing health, Howard retired to Norwood, where he lived until his passing. Howard and Diana loved to travel together and go camping. Many wonderful trips were taken with family, friends, and churches going on fishing trips, sightseeing adventures or bluegrass festivals. Howard was an avid woodcarver and enjoyed giving away many pieces he had created. He loved music and enjoyed playing the guitar, mandolin, singing with Diana as she played piano, and going to the Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City with his brother and sister-in-law, Don and Carol Anderson. Howard never ran out of stories to tell and loved to sit and visit anywhere he was at. He had many jobs throughout the years and acquired a great deal of knowledge that served him well in the ministry. From butchering and carpentry to rock masonry, he never tired of learning something new. Later in his ministry, Howard received an Associate’s Degree in Systematic Theology from Randall College in Oklahoma. One of his greatest honors was serving as chaplain and in the honor guard for the American Legion Post No. 30. He had just received his 20-year pin.
Besides his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his father-in-law, the Rev. Bill Eden. Howard is survived by the love of his life, Diana Anderson, of the home; his children, Scott Anderson and wife, Tonya, of Norwood; and Sandy Wright and husband, Michael, of Norwood; five grandchildren, Tyler Wright, Devin Wright, Dakota Anderson, Cassie Wright and Nathan Anderson; one brother, the Rev. Don Anderson and wife, Carol; two sisters, Sharon Kay Anderson and Joan Polson and husband, Herman; his mother-in-law, Mary Sue Eden Long; a brother-in-law, Ivan Eden; a special cousin, Deloris Doublin and husband, Wade; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends who will miss him greatly. Funeral services for Howard Anderson were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, in the Cornerstone Free Will Baptist Church of Mountain Grove. Officiants were the Rev. Justin Lawson, the Rev. Don Anderson and the Rev. Donnie Anderson. Special songs were “The Man I Call Grandad,” “I Believe” and “Beulah Land.” Pallbearers were Tyler Wright, Devin Wright, Ryan Burkhart, Ken Polson, Tim Anderson and Justin Polson. Honorary pallbearers were Nathan Anderson and Jake Lawson. Burial was in the Willow Springs Cemetery of Mountain Grove under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. The family has requested memorial contributions be made to Missouri Free Will Baptist Mission Association Missions or American Legion Post No. 30 in memory of Howard.
