Martin B. Anderson

Posted

(May 6, 2010)

Martin B. Anderson, 63, died May 6, 2010, at his home in Powell after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Sheridan on Oct. 13, 1946, the son of Tooney (Richmond) and John Gaddis Anderson.

Martin’s early years were spent on the 41 Ranch near Buffalo. In 1955, his family moved to Big Horn.

Martin graduated from Big Horn High School in 1964, and he then attended Sheridan College and the University of Wyoming.

He joined the military in February 1968, and he served in the Vietnam War in the Army Regional Communications Group until September 1969. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

Martin married Diana McCoy in Sheridan on July 3, 1970, and then returned to the University of Wyoming to continue his education.

They moved to Powell in the fall of 1971, and Martin worked for Amoco Production Company for 24 years at the Elk Basin Gas Plant. He retired as a shift foreman in February 1997.

After retirement he took up the game of golf, which became a true passion. Martin loved instilling the love of the sport, mentoring others and receiving guidance from fellow golfers to improve his game.

An avid fisherman, rafter and boater, he spent many hours on the waters of Wyoming and Montana with his family and friends. He was a member of the Powell Elks Club, where he served as Exalted Ruler. Martin also served as a junior and senior warden at St. John’s Episcopal Church, and he volunteered as a docent at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center.

Martin was an inventor and problem solver. In 1986, he designed and helped build an addition to the family home that included solar features. His family will remember him as a fix-it person and a do-it-yourself kind of guy.

Martin enjoyed meeting people and interacting with and learning about them.

He adored his family and doted on his three grandchildren — Kendall Davis, Aubrey Davis and Alexander Anderson — who called him “Papa.”

Martin often asked those close to him, “Have I told you today that I love you?”

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Henry Phipps and Ben Anderson.

Martin is survived by his wife, Diana, of Powell; son Tim Anderson (Silvia) of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughter Richmond Davis (Shane) of Janesville, Wisc.; brothers John Anderson (Susan) of Lakewood, Colo., Lincoln Anderson (Natalia) of Boston, Mass., and Lawrence Phipps III of Elizabeth, Colo.; sister Richmond Phipps of Nosara, Costa Rica; his three grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Thursday, May 13, 2010, at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, followed by burial at Crown Hill Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Powell Elks Club.

Memorial donations in Martin’s name may be made to the Heart Mountain Volunteer Medical Clinic, P.O. Box 1155, Powell, WY 82435.

Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thompsonfuneral.net.

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