Joe D. Anderson was born January 7, 1932 to Joe C. and Jewell Ellis Anderson. He was the second child of six and the oldest son. He was born in Navarro County on the family farm where he spent most of his formative years. He attended and graduated from Richland High School, Navarro Junior College and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from Texas A&M University, Class of 1954.

 

With Joe, God came first, family second and Texas A&M third. Growing up on a cotton farm all the kids learned to work at an early age. They grew up in a loving Christian home and maintained a great love for each other that has never wavered. 
 
After graduating from Texas A&M, Joe became Assistant County Agent in Montgomery County. It was there in Conroe that he met the love of his life, Linda. They shared 61 years of marriage. In 1958, as newlyweds, they moved to Center, where he served as County Agent for 12 years. In 1970, he began a career in insurance, which continued until his death.

 

Their first Sunday in Center, Joe and Linda united with First Baptist Church in Center and served faithfully in many capacities for over 60 years. His favorite place of service was as greeter and usher. He loved meeting people and making them feel welcome when they came to worship. He served as Deacon for 45 years and was named Deacon Emeritus in March 2019 as his health declined. He was also Aggie Muster Chairman for over 40 years.  

 

Joe is survived by:

Wife: Linda Anderson

 

Son: Walter Lee Anderson

 

Daughters: 
Valerie Fillmore and husband, Cameron
Vickie Shannon and husband, Steve 
Jo Lynn Fountain Dyber and husband, Kenny
Emily Buck and husband, Steve

Former Son-in-law: Victor Eddins

Grandchildren:
Casey Nelson and husband, Ben
Cody Fountain and wife, Kim
Eoin O’Shannon
Adam Dyber 
Kyle Buck

Great Grandchild: Colton Lee Fountain 

 

Brothers: 
Guy Anderson
Willy Anderson and wife, Pat
 
Sisters:
Marie Yazell
Cleta Johnson and husband, Tom
Judy Means

 

Many nephews, nieces, 5th daughters and a multitude of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Jewell Anderson; an infant son; and son-in-law, Eddie Fountain.

 

Serving as pallbearers will be Burton Brown, Robert Williams, Terry Scull, Jason Locke, Cody Fountain, Alex Eddins and Steve Jeans 

 

Honorary pallbearers will be Joe’s grandsons: Kyle Buck, Adam Dyber, Alex Eddins, Eoin O’Shannon; sons-in-law: Steve Buck, Kenny Dyber, Cameron Fillmore and Steve Shannon; the Deacons, Ushers, Greeters and Staff of First Baptist Church in Center. 
 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church Mission Fund, 117 Cora Street, Center, Texas 75935 or to The Gideons International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.

 

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Center, Texas. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park. 

 

A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, August 30, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home. 

 

The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.