Cecil Anderson Obituary

Cecil Edward Anderson, born December 29, 1934, passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, in Rockport Texas at the age of 86 years old.

Cecil was born at home in Davis, Oklahoma to Noeal and Annie Anderson, the third of five boys. He graduated from Harjo Highschool in 1952 where he played baseball and basketball for the Harjo Hornets. In March 1953, he joined the US Army and in May 1953 married Evelyn Souders.  They were married for 56 years with her passing away in July 2009.

In March 1973, he retired from the US Army at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 as a logistician.  He was proud of his military service, having served two tours in Vietnam, the first with the 3rd Squadron of the 4th Calvary Regiment, Cu Chi 1966, and the second with Headquarters, II Field Forces in Long Bien 1970.  He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Overseas Service Ribbon. In the summer of 1972, he and a crew of sons, nephews and others built their retirement home in the Johnson Community, where he resided until the fall of 2009.

After retirement from the US Army Cecil pursued a career in the insurance industry working for Prudential Insurance, Farmland Industries and Farmers Insurance Group retiring in 1991.  Much of his time in the insurance industry was spent with his good friend Dewey Goodin.  He also had a small farming operation with cows, goats, guineas and always two or three dogs.

Cecil was active in the community, getting involved in local civic issues to include being one of the group that worked to incorporate the community of Johnson.  He served as its first mayor in 1986.

In July 2009, when his wife Evelyn passed away, he moved to Rockport Texas.

Cecil was a Christian, always ready to share his faith. A man of character, a provider, role model and friend.  He was very generous with his time and money.  He always took care of everyone.  He loved to fish, filling the boat with fish many times, and would take anyone who wanted to go fishing.  

He loved his children and grandchildren; while Evelyn was alive, they would take the grandchildren on vacations to see the many sights of the Western United States.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Evelyn, oldest son Warren and brothers James, Noeal and Wesley Anderson.

He is survived by Kenneth and Cheryl Anderson of Norman, OK; John and Debbie Anderson of Angleton TX; Marcy and David Murray of Shawnee, OK; Daughter in law Connie Anderson of Angleton TX; grandchildren Josh, Stephanie, Erin, Matthew, Kyle, Justin, Jessica, Lucas and Audrey; nephews and niece Russell, Randy and Melissa (who he fostered when they were young); along with many other nephews, nieces and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Belinda Helm, his care giver for many years and her family in Rockport Texas for making him part of their family.

Donations in Cecil’s memory may be made to the following:  Sallateeska Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1842, Shawnee OK, 74802 or the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 7101 Kings Road, Shawnee OK 74804.

Funeral services are under the direction of McElyea and Owens Funeral Group, 5106 N. Harrison, Shawnee, Oklahoma, 74804.  Family visitation scheduled for Sunday afternoon from 4 to 6 PM and services scheduled for Monday, December 27th at 10:00 AM at the Johnson Community Cemetery with military honors.