Andy Anderson, 88, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, peacefully passed away Sunday, August 25, 2019, at Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, Indiana.
He was born August 24, 1931, in Hugoton, Kansas, the son of Webb and Lucille (Flummerfelt) Anderson. The family moved to Mt. Carmel, Illinois, in 1937. Andy graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1953. On June 24, 1953, Andy married Mary Ann Baumgart in Mt. Carmel at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The couple had four children; Ray, Randy, Rick and Roseann Anderson.
Andy was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. He farmed and raised chickens and goats his entire life. Andy traveled to show chickens nationally for years and helped develop and improve upon several different varieties. He founded the Wabash County 4-H Youth Program in 1970, which grew into the County 4-H Fairground Complex. Andy was president of the Wabash County 4-H Youth Program at its inception in 1970 and remained in that position for over 40 years.
He was a founder of the Wabash County ARC in 1975 and served as their president. From 1953-1995, Andy was president of Anderson Brothers Oil, Phillips 66 that he owned and operated with his brother Don for many years. He served as director of the Southern Illinois Pigeon Club, Security Bank and Trust and Illinois Jaycees; president of the Red Hill Bantam Club, Wabash County University of Illinois Extension Board and St. Mary’s School Board.
Over the years Andy has been a driving force within various community and philanthropic organizations too numerous to list. He loved making jeweled crosses and touched many households adorned with them all over the world. He was featured in the prestigious publication of “Who’s Who of the Midwest.” But, if you asked Andy what he did in his life…he would simply say… “I’m a farmer.”
Left to cherish Andy’s memory are his children Ray Anderson, Randy Anderson and wife Brenda, Rick Anderson and wife Sheila and Roseann Anderson; thirteen grandchildren, Nikki, Jenifer, Clint, Ryan, Christopher, Kyle, Emma, Chasity, Krissy, Abbey, Jenna, Petyon and Taylor; nineteen great-grandchildren; siblings Dean and Erma Flummerfelt and Marvin and Frances Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Ann; and brother, Don Anderson.
Funeral services for Andy will be Saturday, September 7, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 125 W. 5th Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Burial will be at Highland Memorial Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 6, 2019, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home, 527 N. Mulberry Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois.
Memorials may be made to the 4-H Foundation or St. Mary’s Catholic School. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and at the church the day of the service.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Andy’s family.
