Obituary

Robert Edward Anderson, 91

Robert Edward Anderson, 91, of Otis, passed away June 14, 1999 at the Porter Care Hospice in Littleton.

Robert was born on January 27, 1908 in Lebanon, Nebraska to Frank and Anna (Rice) Anderson. He was the middle child and only son in a family of five children. His sisters were: Hortense, Anna, Ethel, and June. When he was a small child his family traveled by covered wagon to Lisco, Nebraska where he grew up on a farm.

For many of his early years he considered himself to be a Acowboy@ and his experiences included being bucked off horses and being drug behind a hay rake.

After receiving a bachelors degree from Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska, Robert began a lifelong career in education. For the majority of his life he was the Superintendent of Schools in small towns in Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado. He retired from the Otis Schools in 1971.

While he was Superintendent in Goodview, Nebraska, Robert fell in love with Mildred Louise Hecox, a teacher at his school. They were married on August 10, 1936, at the Banner Methodist Church south of Gothenburg, Nebraska. Two children were born to this union: Rita Jean and Nancy Jo.

Robert loved to play checkers and tennis, camp in the mountains, hunt deer, elk, and pheasant, and fly fish. He participated in many fishing contests within his family between the Afly@ fishermen and the Aworm@ fishermen. His grandchildren looked forward to these contests.

Following retirement, Robert=s most enjoyable moments included yearly camping trips with his daughters, their husbands, and his grandchildren. Robert and Mildred traveled within and outside the United States and spent many winters in Green Valley, Arizona. One highlight was a hot-air balloon ride when he was 80 years old.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his four sisters: Hortense Law, Anna Rowland, Ethel Allen, and June Moyers.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred Louise Anderson; two daughters, Rita Jean Basham and Nancy Jo Crow; five grandchildren, Mark Earl Basham, Stephen Edward Basham, Matthew John Basham, Dennis Blaine Crow, Wendy Lee Crow; one foster grandchild, Robert Alexander Blanchard; and one great granddaughter, Cassidy Aurelia Basham.

Funeral services were conducted June 17, 1999, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Otis with Rev. Robert Miller officiating. Carol Feather, organist, accompanied Jennifer, Jesse, and Justin Feather as they sang AAmazing Grace@ and AIn the Garden.@ Casket bearers were John, Mark, Matthew and Stephen Basham, Robert Blanchard, Dennis, Norman and Wendy Crow. Grave side services and interment were held June 19, 1999, at 10:00 a.m. at the Peckham Cemetery south of Gothenburg, Nebraska, with Pastor Bill Bicket officiating.

Memorial donations in Robert=s name may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Otis, or to the Otis Lions Club.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Yeamens & Gordon Memorial Chapel.