John Byrns Anderson

1924 - 2016

Anderson John Byrns "Pal" Anderson, devoted husband of the late Beverly Roussel Anderson, father to John Scott (Janie), Cindy Harlan (David), Nancy Stokes (David), Robert Alan, and Joan Volle (Thomas), and grandfather to Emily Jane Anderson, Christopher (fiance Hannah), Mark (Laurie), and Scott (Kate) Harlan, Patrick (Diana), Gregory (Samantha), Douglas (Sarah), and Caroline Claire Stokes, Stacy (Bryan) Young, and Benjamin Anderson, and Jackson and Natalie Lynn Volle, and great grandfather to 15 little ones, departed this life on Sunday, April 17, 2016. John (Pal) began his fruitful life on August 10, 1924 in New Orleans, Louisiana, only child of the late Lilburn and John Byrns Sr. and was the devoted stepson of the late S. J. Primm. S.J. "Daddy Boy" Primm was Pal's father and friend, and remained the man that guided and mentored Pal into the wonderful man he became. Pal was also stepbrother to the late Jimmy and Marie Primm, and half brother to the late Jean Marie and Walter Henderson. Pal and Walter found each other as adults, and formed a deep and lasting friendship. Pal grew up in Algiers and graduated from Behrman High School and LSU. His engineering studies at LSU were interrupted by service in the U.S. Navy during WWII, where he spent over two years in the Pacific Ocean defending our country. Many of Pal's fondest memories were of the comradeship formed aboard the USS Euryale keeping the USA safe from harm. Upon return back to New Orleans, he finished LSU with a degree in business. Shortly after graduation, he met the love of his life, Beverly, at a dance on the roof of the Jung Hotel. Together they raised their family and built their life in Algiers. John's professional career centered around the petroleum industry. He worked for Chevron Chemical and Evans Cooperage until his retirement. During his retirement, he was active in the Algiers community as a dedicated historian with much of his work preserved in the library at Our Lady of the Holy Cross College. He also did extensive research into his family history and uncovered many wonderful facts about his ancestors and early New Orleans, and was happy to share his passion for genealogy studies and techniques, which happened to be quite creative before the Internet. Pal enjoyed his friends, especially his dear friends, Art and Pam Patron, and he loved to exercise, garden, and travel, but his greatest accomplishment and joy came from his family, especially his grandchildren. Pal worshipped them as babies and cradled each and every one of them in his arms, and adored being at all of their sporting and scouting events. Each summer was spent with his California grandchildren, taking them to parks and beaches, and feeding them abundant ice cream cones. Pal will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A Memorial service will be celebrated at Poydras Home, 5354 Magazine St. in New Orleans, on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at 1:00 pm with a reception following from 1:30-3:00 pm. The family would like to thank the staff of Poydras Home, where Pal lived for the last five years of his life. The love and care for Pal during his battle with Alzheimer's was exceptional by this talented group of very special people. Burial will be private. Anyone wishing to honor Pal's memory may do so with a donation to the Poydras Home Employee Fund, 5354 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70115. To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.