David E. Anderson

Anderson, David E. (79)
A veteran of 40 years in the telephone industry, died May 28 following a long illness. Anderson was president and chief executive officer of GTE California, Inc. from June 1979 until his retirement in December 1988. Anderson graduated from Iowa State University in 1948 to pursue a career in engineering and telecommunications. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy. He married his wife Marilyn on May 28, 1949 in Sioux City, Iowa. Under his leadership as president, GTE California's revenues grew from $1.1 billion to $2.7 billion and net income increased from $88 million to $350 million. The company's communications network was modernized and customer service improved dramatically during this time. As noted in a news account of his retirement in 1988, Anderson was credited with taking GTE to a modern efficient company. Anderson was active in civic, charitable and professional organizations. He served on the board of directors, and was chairperson in 1985, of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. At various times during the 1980's and 1990's, he served on the boards of directors of the Los Angeles United Way, Children's Bureau of Southern California, Los Angeles Opera Theatre, Barclays Bank of California, the California Chamber of Commerce, California State University and Colleges Foundation, and Independent Colleges of Southern California, Los Angeles Partnership for the Homeless, the California Economic Development Corporation, the 2000 Partnership and KCET. Anderson was active in the First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica, having served on the Board of Trustees, as President of the Methodist Foundation, and on the Upward Bound House Board of Directors. Funeral services are planned for 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, June 3 at the First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica, 1008 Eleventh Street, Santa Monica. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his two daughters, Susan Sonye and Nancy Anderson, and his two granddaughters.