Eugene R. Anderson, retired contractor
On Wednesday April 28, 2021, Eugene R. Anderson, 80, loving husband and father, passed away in Naples, Fla., after a recent illness.
Gene was born March 15, 1941, in Stanton, Iowa, to Ferne and Elmer Anderson. He graduated from Stanton High School, class of 59. After high school, he joined his father in building homes in and around Stanton. Even decades later, he could quickly pick out all of the houses they worked on. Gene joined the Navy in 1962, serving for four years aboard several ships, including the USS Cole. His Navy friend Jerry set him up on a blind date with Paula Dawson who was in nursing school with Jerry’s girlfriend at the time, Sandy. Gene and Paula were married Aug. 19, 1967, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona, Pa. He earned his associate degree in May 1969 from Penn State Altoona Campus, and his bachelor of science degree in engineering from Widener University, West Chester, Pa.
He and Paula settled in Newark with Gene working at E.I. du Pont at Louviers. Their daughter Kerri (Kiersten) was born Dec. 19, 1975. They all loved to spend weekends and summers visiting their close family in both Altoona and Iowa. Gene loved tinkering with classic cars, discussing cars with his buddies and playing cards on the weekends with family and friends. He was always quick with a smile and liked nothing better than to hear the latest news from everyone he would meet. With fond memories of his youth spent working on homes with his dad, Gene realized his dream of designing and building a home in Landenberg, Pa. Summers were spent at the beaches in Brigantine, N.J., and Ocean City, Md. Following retirement, Gene and Paula settled in Lewes, enjoying the beaches and boardwalk of Rehoboth. They later spent their winters in Naples with their fellow snowbirds.
In Naples, Gene and Paula were often found walking the beaches of Lowdermilk, Tigertail, Sanibel and Siesta Keys. They loved attending concerts, plays and performance at Artis Naples and Sugden Community Theater. In the last two years, the couple developed a special connection to the Alzheimer’s Support Network and Naples Senior Center, participating in their weekly meetings and programs with good friends. Since November, many weekdays Gene was found at the Club at Harmonia, with Paula often waiting for Gene to wrap up a card game with the guys.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and sister Judy Brazelton; and is survived by his wife Paula and daughter Kerri. He will be interred at Calvary Cemetery in Altoona with a memorial service to be determined at a later date in the fall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gene’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Support Network, 660 Tamiami Tr. N., Suite 21, Naples, FL 34102.
Arrangements are by Legacy Options Funeral Service. Condolences can be made at www.legacyoptions.com
