Robert Anderson

Robert Anderson
SODA SPRINGS - Robert Ellis Anderson died on November 6, 2012, due to an illness at the age of 86, in Soda Springs, Idaho.
Robert (Bob) was born on April 11, 1926, in Ogden, Utah. He was the son of Robert S. and Geneva Anderson. He was raised in Georgetown, Idaho, and on a homestead farm 5 1/2 miles north. He attended school in Georgetown, graduating in May 1944. Although he never formally attended college, Bob took every opportunity to continue his education. He encouraged his children to attend school and provided for their higher education. This legacy has continued with many of his grandchildren.
He spent his youth and adult years farming the homestead and adding to the original acres. He farmed the ranch for over 50 years from 1957 to 1998. In 1959, he began working for Monsanto. He would retire in 1988.
Bob served in the United States Navy in 1944, on board the Glenn. He was sent to the Philippines to help deploy the troops home at the end of World War II. He served in several ports in the Pacific Ocean.
He became acquainted with Gayla Rice on one of his trips home and they began corresponding. They began to date when he returned and were married March 22, 1947.
Bob served in many public offices including the Caribou County Draft Board. He was elected to the County Commission in Caribou County for 12 years. Eight of the 12 years he was the chairman. He also served as legislative representative for the counties in I.A.C's 6th District, the Board of Directors of Idaho Association of Counties, the 6th District Judicial Board, and on the Caribou County Hospital Board. He was the American Legion Post Commander on three different occasions for more than 10 years of service.
Bob loved to hunt and fish. The family was well-fed on venison, elk and fish. He spent many hours with friends and family enjoying the fall hunting season. He was able to see some of Idaho's best years of big game hunting and fishing. He loved to explore the Idaho country and had a vast knowledge of this state.
Bob and Gayla visited all 50 states, 18 foreign countries, and three continents. He said, "It is good to have been able to travel through much of the world. It has taught us to realize how fortunate we are to live where we live and in the U.S.A."
Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gayla; his sister, Evelyn Prescott( Carl); his children, Robert G. Anderson (Wendy), Steven Anderson (Kathleen) and Susan Watson (Lynn); his 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a baby daughter and a grandson.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2012, at noon at the Bailey Creek Chapel (361 South Third East) in Soda Springs. The family will visit with friends on Friday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. at the church and on Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery, with military honors by the Soda Springs American Legion Post 9141 and VFW Post 62 and the Idaho Honor Guard.
Services are under the direction of the Sims Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.simsfh.com.