Robert Theodore Anderson

East Lansing - The Reverend Doctor Robert Theodore Anderson, son of Hazel and Oscar Anderson, was born on July 23, 1928, in Syracuse, New York.

Robert was the husband of Elizabeth Lathrop Anderson, the father of David and Rondi Anderson, and the brother of Paul Anderson. He was the grandfather of Shakti, Austin, and Ally Anderson.

He received his bachelor's degree at Syracuse University and his doctoral and seminary degrees at Boston University. He served as Professor and Chair of the Religious Studies Department at Michigan State University from 1957 until 1998, where he taught courses on Biblical literature to adoring students. His research focused on Samaritan texts, and his books include Studies in Samaritan Manuscripts and Artifacts and The Samaritan Pentateuch (with Terry Giles).

Robert was also a clergyman, a storyteller, a ballroom dancer, a baseball player, a weaver, a cyclist, and a runner. He traveled around the world, with extended stops to perform research in Calcutta and to teach in Cairo.

He attended Edgewood United Church of Christ in East Lansing, where there will be a memorial service at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 29.

His loving family and friends will forever cherish his inimitable kindness, his gentle soul, his devoted care for people in need, and his impassioned stewardship for the environment.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Dec. 22, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Anderson

Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.

11 Entries

Roy Turbett

April 19, 2020

Without doubt, Dr. Anderson was the best professor I had while a student at MSU. The lecture hall was always full and non-students stood against the wall to hear him speak. But he was an even better person because of the way he respected the diverse views of his student who came from many different faiths or no faith at all. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to his family and pray that they take comfort in knowing that Dr. Anderson is remembered and missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Diana Cherryholmes

May 29, 2019

My deepest condolences to his family. He was a favorite professor of mine and officiated my wedding. So pleased he was part of my life for a short while as it made an impact.

Susan White-Johnson

January 29, 2019

I was thinking about the Anderson's this morning and googled Robert's name (have an EL history question to discuss that I think you could answer)! Sadly I came across this. Please accept my sincerest condolences as you reminisce, grieve and navigate through your loss. Rondi and I were childhood friends at Bailey and I always enjoyed spending time with this family (thank you Rondi for turning me on to the Rolling Stones and the Beatles). The Anderson's were a team and exemplified a true and rare kindness to all. You could feel the love they shared for one another when around them. It was always nice seeing them here and there throughout the years, as there was always a smile and kind greeting to share. A life well lived God Bless you all Susan White-Johnson

Arlyn & Stuart King

January 24, 2019

We just found out about Robert's passing. Such a lovely man. A wonderful story teller, infectious laugh, and all around amazing person. We treasured the time we had with him and delightful Elizabeth. He will be missed.

Jean Lyle Lepard

January 8, 2019

I'm so sorry to learn of Bob's passing, and send much love to his dear Elizabeth and the rest of the family. His grace and great good humor will always be the stuff of fond stories.
As one of his students in the 80s, I also took the three term cycle of Old and New Testament courses (never worked so hard for a 4.0 in my life: it took 'til the third class!). Dr. Anderson was an inspiration to me as I juggled theatre and theology and tried to make out what to do with my life. He took me on as a summer intern, transcribing his copious Samaritan Studies notes for citations. He made digging around through old manuscripts look like the best treasure hunt ever.
As theatre fans, the Andersons supported me in every performance they attended, and more recently came to All Saints for special services to enjoy the music and to visit for a bit. It was always great to catch sight of their bikes outside the Summer Circle stage, or over at church.
His memory will always be a blessing.

Leo Sell

January 8, 2019

My wife Beth and I become acquainted with this dancing couple, Robert and Elizabeth as we attended East Lansing festivals. We will miss him.

Marty Liphard

January 7, 2019

He was a great man and one of my favorite professors. My heart goes out to his family.

Susan DeRosa

December 26, 2018

I took two Old Testament courses and one New Testament course with Dr. Anderson at MSU in the mid 1970s. I remember his lovely voice, so it is not at all surprising to read of his storytelling career. Although I could never match his expectations of scholarship, those classes are among my fondest memories.
It was always delightful to see him and Mrs. Anderson supporting local community theatre around Lansing. Sending wishes for peace and comfort to your family.

Larry Rynearson

December 24, 2018

I am so sorry to hear the news!

December 24, 2018

May the God of all comfort sustain your family during the days ahead Psalms 119:76

Ellen Sherby

December 23, 2018

I have fond memories of Robert Anderson from Edgewood UCC where I grew up and also Liberty Hyde Bailey Elementary School where I spent my primary school years. He was a superb storyteller of classic fairy tales as well as the Bailey Little Folk Stories, which he began telling (as far as I know) in the 1970s at Bailey School, starting with his son David's class. I always admired his and Elizabeth's opennesss to life and open minds and hearts. One story that has stuck with me about both of them is that they spent their honeymoon on a cycling tour, just the two of them.

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