Denver Earl Anderson was born in Dent County, MO on October 14, 1935 to Denver Anderson and Irene McCarter. He is proceeded in death by his son Tracy Earl Anderson and is survived by his wife of 70 years, Thelma Lee Anderson; his daughter and son in law, Cassie and James Olson; his grandchildren and their spouses, Saralyn & Luke Wagner and Andy & Nancy Olson and his great grandson, Denver James Wagner.
Earl grew up in Salem, MO, raised by his beloved grandmother, Cassie Shineman. After graduating high school he lived a short time in St. Louis, MO before returning home to Salem where he met and married the love of his life, Thelma Lee Woods. After their marriage in January of 1955, Earl and Lee moved to Rolla, MO where they had a son, Tracy Earl in April of 1961. While in Rolla, Earl began a career working with the telephone company where he served initially as a lineman and then in various other telephone engineering roles. He worked in the Telephone and Communications industry throughout his career, until retiring in 1996. Earl, Lee and Tracy moved to Jefferson City, MO where their family was completed with a daughter, Cassie Lynn, born in November of 1972.
Earl often talked about the most important day of his life. . . Christmas Day of 1957 when he gave his life fully to Jesus Christ. He talked about the Lord often and boldly shared his faith with others at every opportunity. He was truly spiritual and prophetic with a God-given gift for writing poetry and songs. One of his greatest life achievements was the production of a gospel album titled The Wedding Feast. If you knew Earl you probably have a few copies of his CD. He loved giving them away every chance he could.
Earl was full of personality. He was known and remembered wherever he went. He made friends with people at restaurants, banks and stores; which often gave him an opportunity to witness for the Lord. His greatest love was his family. He was proud of his family, starting with his beautiful wife whom he adored even after 70 years of marriage. He made great sacrifices for his children, making sure they received a good education and always had a nice home to live in. Earl, also known as “Papa” always had time and money to invest in his grandchildren. In the early years, it was taking Saralyn to “rescue” dolls at Walmart or letting Andy sit on his lap to drive the Chrysler. In the latter years it was his sincere interest in the details of their lives whether it was Saralyn’s job or Andy’s business. He equally loved the new additions to the family in Luke, Nancy and especially his great grandson baby Denver.
Earl was truly a loving and caring husband, father and “Papa.” It can be said that he lived a full and fruitful life. He will be missed in this world, but he is celebrated in the confidence of the reward he has in eternity, as the Lord declares over his life, “well done good and faithful servant . . . now come and share in the Master’s joy.”
The Funeral Service was at 11:00 am on Friday, February 14th, 2025 with the visitation one hour prior at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home: 500 E. Walnut Street, Springfield, Missouri 65806, burial followed at Maple Park Cemetery, in Springfield, Missouri.
