Obituary of Albert Anderson

Albert Franklin Anderson, age 96, passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He went into that good night as gently and lovingly as he had lived. His wife and each of his children heard the familiar, "I love you very much", before he slipped into eternity. He was a giant of a man--not in stature--but in character. His word was his bond. He would rather make peace than make a fuss. He was respected by all who knew him. Born on May 24, 1914 in Balfour, North Dakota, he grew up in a close, loving family along with 4 other siblings. Due to his father's illness and economic concerns he quit school and began to work after 7th grade. At 16 years of age he left North Dakota to work as a hired hand for a family in Kansas. He experienced the "dirty thirties" first hand from the seat of a tractor. Refused admittance to high school in Garden City because he had not established residency, he applied in Scott City and was welcomed there. He lived in a fruit stand for a while after school started. He and his best friend, Ted Crist, trucked fruit to sell in Kansas over the Rocky Mountains on unpaved narrow roads. He farmed for Ted's dad, where he met his future wife, Ada Crist. They were married in 1937. During the war, Al worked with the Post engineers at the Army Airbase in Garden City and managed the storeroom. Later, he left to farm with his brother-in-law. Farming became his way of life. He was later able to acquire his own land and farm independently. Over the years, three daughters and a son were born to Al and Ada. Al served for many years as a deacon and elder in the First Christian Church in Scott City. He was a faithful servant. If there were irrigation pipes to move or cattle to feed, Al would go early to get the chores done and return in time for church. He enjoyed his children, attending all their school functions and sports events. After he retired from farming at age 75, he and Ada enjoyed traveling in their camper, boating, and fishing. Just short of their 61st wedding anniversary, he lost his life's partner. The hours were filled with riding his bike, playing pool at the Sr. Center, and traveling to visit his children. In 2003, he fell in love again. Pauline, the desire of his heart, became the companion he treasured. They have traveled, danced, and held hands through countless blissful hours. Then, the other day, he left us all for another place. He leaves his wife, Pauline of Scott City, Kansas; Three Daughters - Linda McDonald of Dallas, Oregon, Judith Anderson of Arvada, Colorado, Becky Anderson of Enid, Oklahoma; One Son - Kurt Anderson of Evanston, Illinois, One Step Son â Charles Tucker of Windsor, Colorado, and One Step Daughter â Glenna McLean of Windsor, Colorado, One Sister â June McElhinney of Wichita, Kansas, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He was a good man. He will be missed. Funeral Service will be at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 8, 2010 with Steve Payne presiding. Interment will be in the Prairie View Church Cemetery in Friend, Kansas Memorials may be given to the Prairie View Church or First Christian Church % Price & Sons Funeral Home Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Friday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.