Roll Call Tribute

Robert John "Bob" Anderson 

August 21, 1931 - October 8, 2024 

Robert (Bob) John Anderson was born on 8/21/31 in Owatonna, MN to John Corneluis Anderson and Evangeline Borwege Anderson. From his earliest days, Bob was a joyful person, ready to share kindness with all. His undergraduate college years were spent at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. Duty to country called him in 1951, serving in the Navy as a weatherman at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. After his stint in the navy, Bob returned to college at the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he earned a Master's Degree in Geology.

It was there that Bob met a delightful undergraduate named Dorothy Bell. They each completed their respective degrees, then married in 1958 and moved to Houston for employment with Standard of Ohio. A move took them to New Orleans where their first child, Jane, was born. The family returned to Houston where Bob began his employment with IBM. In 1962, their second child, Peter, was born. A final move brought the Anderson family to Bryan, TX in 1967 so that Bob could pursue his PhD in Engineering, and more importantly, teach at Texas A&M University.

Bob did, indeed, gain the respect of intelligent men and gave the best he had at TAMU. He found that teaching, and the relationships nurtured, were his calling. A&M needed a Computer Science program for students in the military, so Bob was part of the team tasked with establishing the program, and was later honored with a teaching award. In 1979, his Business Analytics students presented him with a plaque that recognized him for creating "a large reservoir of goodwill", as Bob always looked for the best in others. Bob left the university setting to create Pinnell, Anderson and Wilshire, a private urban consulting firm, and finally to Agency Records Control.

Making the world a better place for his children and others was Bob's personal goal. He was active at First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, in leadership as an Elder, founding the Seekers Sunday school Class with his wife, Dorothy, running a summer family program, and as a volunteer for Concerts on Carter Creek. He loved opening the door for the concert attendees as a greeter, but also loved opening spiritual doors for all who worshiped with him at the church. A supporter of the arts, Bob also served on the Board of the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra.

Bob laughed often as a member of the College Station Noon Lions Club. His favorite activities were serving as the Tail Twister, sharing his infectious humor and harmonica playing as the Master of Ceremonies for Christmas parties, working at the Christmas tree sale lot, and supporting the Fun For All playground, a park for children of all abilities. He was honored with the College Station Lions Hall of Fame award for his service to the club and community.

Bob loved much and his family occupied the largest place in his heart. He was a faithful husband to Dorothy to whom he was married for 66 years. His children, Jane and Peter, were the joy of his life and he devoted quality time to raising them. Family vacations were a tradition in the Anderson household, with annual trips to Door County, Wisconsin to the family cottage on Lake Michigan built by Dorothy's parents in 1946. Even after the children had grown and had families of their own, the extended Anderson families would meet at the cottage for reunions, for skiing in Park City, Utah, and for adventures in the Cayman Islands. Family was at the core of Bob's life.

Bob and Dorothy moved to Arbor Oaks in Bryan, but even though their lives had been downsized, caring for others and building community continued to be their focus. A staff member at Crestview said of Bob, "He was the sweetest man God ever put on this Earth". His heart of gratitude spilled over into the lives of all he met. Even as his health diminished, he was still cheerful and loving. Dorothy was by Bob's side as he entered the Kingdom of Heaven on October 8, 2024.

Bob is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his daughter Jane Young and and her husband Richard of Fort Worth; his daughter-in-law DeeAnn Anderson Emley; his grandchildren Matthew Young, Kate Elizabeth Roddy and her husband Gavin, Stephanie Bondi and her husband Jeff; his great grandchildren Thatcher, Vera, Eliza, Lena, Selah, Rinnah, Harper, and Hayes; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Hugh and Joyce Bell; as well as nieces and their families. Bob was predeceased by his parents, and in 2013, his son, Peter.

Bob filled his niche and accomplished his task, joyfully sharing the love of God with others. A celebration of his life of servant leadership will be held on December 7, 2024, 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Bryan with the Reverend Matt Morse officiating, the Reverend Dr. George Klett assisting. Arrangements are being handled by Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan. Memorial gifts may be sent to: Fun For All Playground, PO Box 9745, College Station TX 77845, or to the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan Music Ministry, 1100 Carter Creek Pkwy, Bryan TX 77802.

Please visit www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share deepest condolences and expressions of gratitude for Robert and a life well lived.