Walter Henry "Dude" Anderson

Greetings and a tip of the hat as we bid a fond farewell to Walter aka "Dude" Henry Anderson, who, at the age of 72, decided to take his final bow on March 23, 2024, at his residence in Iva, South Carolina. Born into this world with a wrench in hand on September 26, 1951, Dude made a splash that would ripple through the years.

Dude was the mastermind behind the pipes, the sultan of sinks, having launched Walter Anderson Plumbing in 1978. He navigated through the company's success until 2004, then traded in his plunger for postage, delivering more than just mail as a rural carrier at Valley Center Post Office until he hung up his satchel for good.

When not wrestling with pipes or dodging dogs on his postal route, Dude could be found perfecting his putt, swinging hammers instead of clubs on his latest home remodel, building cinder block walls, or relaxing by watching his favorite shows like Survivor and Family Feud. His creativity flowed like a well-fitted faucet, and his warmth could thaw even the most stubborn of frozen pipes.

Survived by his other half, Jessie Bernloehr-Anderson, his daughter and son Kelly Jo Watkins and Kyle Anderson, step-son Bryan Thorpe, and a gaggle of nine grandchildren, Dude's legacy is far from washed up. His brothers Larry, Tim, and Joe Mark, along with sister Robbie, also keep the Anderson torch burning bright.

The Anderson clan is throwing what might just be the liveliest shindig this side of the Pearly Gates to celebrate Dude's grand exit stage left. Join us on Saturday, May 11th, at 11 am at the homestead of Mary Jean and Bryan. For more info, just follow the sound of laughter and reminiscing.

Here's to Dude, a man who proved that life, much like plumbing, is all about good connections and the occasional patch job. Rest in peace, dear Dude, and may your spirit forever flow through the lives of those you've touched.