Donald Anderson

Donald E. Anderson, a Registered Professional Engineer, slipped away from this life on January 2, 2010 after a long illness; he was born on May 11, 1927 in Wichita, KS. Don's family then moved to Bartlesville, from there to Tulsa. Don graduated from Tulsa Central in 1944 and won a sport scholarship to Michigan State University. He wrestled and played football at MSU until he was drafted into the Army near the close of World War II. Upon his military discharge, he returned to Michigan State and graduated with an engineering degree. Making his home in Michigan, he worked for Consumer's Power. Later he moved his family to Tulsa; working first for Resource Science, later Fenix and Sisson. He raised four children, James of Bartlesville, David of Tulsa, Linda Tarchala of Cadillac, MI, and Sally Scripps of Grand Rapids, MI. In 1982 he married Leah and became stepfather to her children, George Besseris, and Dianna Anderson, both of Bartlesville. Leah and Don purchased Lucas Construction in Ochelata and developed it into Utility Management and Construction Company and Leann Water and Leann Gas. During this time they bought a condo at Shangri-la on Monkey Island where they golfed, boated, and participated in the island scene, making that their full-time home. After his two sons purchased the business in Ochelata Don continued his professional engineering work as a consultant until his full retirement in 2002. Don had a lovely singing voice, a competitive sports drive and witty sense of humor. He was a devoted father, and grandfather, generous brother, and loving husband. He is survived by his wife, Leah, by Linda and John Tarchala, James and Marilyn Anderson, David and Ruth Anderson, and Sally and Jerry Scripps. He leaves 10 grandchildren, Bailey and Adriann Anderson of Bartlesville, Orianna and Pierce Anderson of Tulsa, Joseph, Cameron, Alexandra and Nicholas Scripps of Grand Rapids, MI , Jack William Besseris of Laramie, WY, and Kyle Besseris of Rogers, AR, His sister, Dorothy Ingle, preceded him in death in 2006. A memorial service to celebrate Don's life will be held in the Colonial Chapel of the Neekamp-Luginbuel Funeral Home, on Friday, January 8, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. Services are under the direction of the Neekamp-Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com. In lieu of floral tributes, contributions to the charity of one's choice in Don's name is suggested.

Service Details

Friday, January 8th, 2010 2:00pm, Neekamp-Luginbuel Funeral Home