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Howard Eugene Anderson Sr. was born on May 6, 1953, in Muncie, Indiana, and peacefully transitioned on December 12, 2025, at 10:47 a.m. at Methodist Hospital Southlake Campus, surrounded by a devoted wife and loving family. He was the youngest son of Reverend James Anderson Sr. and First Lady Ruth Hardina Anderson. He was preceded in life by his siblings James Anderson Jr., Walter Anderson, Ronald Anderson, and sister Beverly Shepard.
Howard graduated from Gary West Side High School, Class of 1971, and was a lifelong pursuer of knowledge. He received a BS from Calumet College of St. Joseph in 1995 and additional post graduate work at Indiana Wesleyan University, receiving further training in business management and related studies.
On September 7, 1974, Howard married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Charlotte Shumane Anderson. Together, they raised four children, instilling in them faith, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. Howard lived out these values through his own actions, consistently modeling service and integrity.
From a young age, Howard was industrious and dependable. He supported his parents’ ministry through The Jesus Shoppe and spent many summers traveling to West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, helping operate the bookstore and tent outreach.
Professionally, Howard dedicated more than 25 years to the accounting department in the U.S. Steel (formerly Midwest Steel) Mill and was Head of OSHA and Safety Committee. Beyond his career, he remained deeply committed to community service. For nearly ten years, he served the Gary Community School System as Head Swim Coach at William A. Wirt High School, teaching students—many with no prior swimming experience—skills, discipline, and confidence.
A gifted musician, Howard played piano and guitar and wrote and produced several gospel albums. He also provided voice and piano instruction, mentoring young performers, some of whom went on to secure roles with Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club.
As retirement approached, Howard and his wife Charlotte served through the Gary YMCA as water safety, swimming, and water aerobics instructors, and helped organize the Water Babies Swimming Program. Through these efforts, many individuals regained strength and confidence while recovering from illness or injury.
Howard deeply believed in supporting the dreams of others. When Charlotte envisioned opening a preschool—later known as Faith Academy—Howard transformed a building intended for rental income into a Christian-based school. After long workdays, he devoted evenings to maintaining the facility and ensuring the school operated smoothly.
Though Howard knew of God from childhood, he experienced a transformative personal relationship with Jesus Christ in his thirties. He was baptized in Jesus’ name at Logan Park Assembly of Christ Church and later received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Under the leadership of Bishop George L. Stearnes, Howard faithfully served as a choir member, musician, and Sunday school teacher, quietly ministering both inside and beyond church walls. Howard Anderson Sr. was a humble servant who lived his faith through action—visiting the sick, supporting loved ones, and encouraging others wherever he went. He was a devoted father, trusted friend, and man of unwavering faith.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend James Anderson Sr. and First Lady Ruth Hardina Anderson; his first wife, Charlotte Bozeman Anderson; his daughter, Shawn Shumane George; parents-in-love, Charles Sr. and Delores Bozeman; sister-in-love, Dorothy Bozeman.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of six years, Teresa Anderson; his children, Toi (Philip) Clark, Howard (Kitrina) Anderson Jr., Charles (Alexis) Anderson; son-in-love Jerry George; extended children, Monique, Robin, and Wallik; siblings James Jr. (Barbara) Anderson, Walter Anderson, Ron (Celeste) Anderson, and Beverly (Leon) Shepard; loving brothers and sisters-in-law and cousin, Bernadine (Reggie), Grace (Dwight), Charles Jr., Vincent (Leona); 13 grandchildren; 7 extended grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
Howard Anderson Sr. will be remembered for his kind heart, quiet strength, joyful spirit, and unwavering faith. His legacy of service, love, and encouragement will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know him.
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