Henry J. Anderson

Henry J. Anderson, age 95, of Elkhart, Kansas, died Friday, December 15, 2017, at Morton County Hospital in Elkhart, Kansas. He was born October 18, 1922, in Viola, Iowa, the son of Henry C. and Bessie Mae (Kershner) Anderson.

After graduating from high school, Henry served in the United States Navy as a Pharmacist’s Mate, Third Class during World War II. After being discharged in 1946, he moved to Kansas and farmed near Big Bow. After farming several years he went to work at Mann Auto Parts in Ulysses. In 1958, he moved to Elkhart. He married Darlene Oliver on December 19, 1958, in Elkhart. Henry and his wife, Darlene, managed The El Rancho Restaurant in the ‘70’s. In 1974, he purchased Elkhart Auto Parts and operated it for over 20 years before retiring. Henry served on the Elkhart City Council, was a former Mason, and belonged to Elkhart American Legion Post #0132. His interests included hot rodding, supporting the American Legion Baseball program, fishing, gardening, and working on cars. Henry enjoyed taking his metal detector to the river in his sand buggy with friends, Floyd Schrauner and Lewis Perkins.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene of the home; sons, Robert of Liberal, Joseph and wife Renee of Oregon City, Oregon, Steven and wife Leann of Palmer, Alaska, Edward and wife Melva of Rolla, and David and wife Renita of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother, Cecil of Marion, Iowa; nine grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Henry is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, four sisters, and great-grandson, Malen Anderson.

Funeral service will be Thursday, December 21, 2017, at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Nazarene in Elkhart, Kansas with Pastor Keith Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Elkhart Cemetery with military rites by the Elkhart Point Rock Post #3162. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 20, 2017, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart. Memorial contributions may be given to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.