Philip Anderson Obituary

Private family services for Philip (Phil) Norman Anderson, 81, Lawrence, will take place at a later date.

Philip Norman Anderson died Thursday June 22, 2023. He was born June 30 1941 in Tracy Minnesota, the son of Kenneth Eugene Anderson and Dorothy Woodruff Smith Anderson. Phil graduated from Lawrence High School and the University of Kansas where he met his wife, Patricia McDuffie. They were married February 2, 1963 in Lawrence KS. After receiving his Bachelor of Engineering, Phil accepted a job with IBM and they moved to Poughkeepsie, New York. He worked as an Engineer from 1963 to 1969. IBM arranged for professors from Syracuse University to fly to Poughkeepsie so Phil completed his Masters of Engineering in 1969. On a visit to Lawrence, Phil learned that the School of Engineering had Training Fellowships from NASA. He applied and got a grant which led to his doctorate in 1972. From 1969 to 1985, he served as an Instructor for the KU Electrical Engineering School where he taught 16 classes, and as a Senior Research Engineer for the University Center for Research.

In 1972 he decided not to return to IBM, but to start his own company, Kantronics where he and his team designed and built products for the amateur radio world. Products were sold world wide for decades. His designs made it possible to connect a computer to an amateur radio and display morse code in words on the computer. His entrepreneurial spirit led to many products some of which are in use today. Over the years Phil applied for and was granted U.S. patents for his various product designs.

Among his honors is the Small Business of the year award from the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. He chaired the Entrepreneur Development Committee for the Chamber and served on the Economic Development Committee. In 2023 Phil received the Distinguished Service Award from the KU Electrical Engineer and Computer Science Department for career achievements and dedication to the department.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia of the home, daughter Rebecca Anderson Hewes (Randy) of Norman Oklahoma and son Kenneth Anderson of Lawrence as well as nephew Todd Anderson of Lawrence, cousins Mary Radloff of Rock Island Illinois and Jackie Johnson of Knoxville TN.

The family suggests memorials to Presbyterian Manor or Visiting Nurses Hospice, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044. rumsey-yost.com

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

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jul. 2, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Anderson

7 Entries

Vaden McDonald NN4K

November 21, 2023

I'm just now learning about Phil's passing. We were pledge brothers in the 1959 Phi Kappa Psi class where our friendship formed. We've had random contacts over the years. I enjoyed using his amateur radio products and even participated in one of his Kantronics product developments. Rest in peace brother and may God bless his family.

Brian A. Ruf

July 11, 2023

I am very sorry to learn of Phil's passing. I remember Phil as an instructor at KU in the 1980's when I was a student and always admired his diplomatic demeanor combined with his rich professional and entrepreneurial experience at Kantronics (then located off of 23rd street). I was fortunate to subsequently serve with Phil on numerous advisory boards at KU including the KU EECS Advisory Board when I was humbled to succeed Phil´s exemplary leadership as Chair of the Board.

Phil is a consummate engineer always analyzing problems and breaking them down while welcoming the opportunity to educate others along the way. Phil was never short on highly technical ideas or a profound desire to effectively communicate them and he certainly was never shy of a blackboard or marker board to help him do just that.

Phil´s strong engineering skills combined with his unwavering leadership, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit have inspired and encouraged many to pursue their goals and achieve their full potential.

Frances Antle

July 6, 2023

Pat and family you have my thoughts and prayers.
Will always remember Phil and Bud sharing the same birth date. Also remember the special times at Trinity Episcopal.

Billy & Julie Brumley

July 5, 2023

We are so sorry for your loss.

Ron Sutherland

July 3, 2023

Phil also inspired many with Kantronics. i remember getting the occasional tour over the years. A real electronics factory right there in Lawrence. Assembly lines, engineering, inventory and known world wide. So much more than a list of technical achievements, it was having the vision and then making it real. That was the inspiration.

Dennis Domer

July 3, 2023

I send my deep sympathy to Phil's family. Phil was a fabulous individual who stems from an equally fabulous family. God bless each and every one of you in this time of bereavement.

Kim Murphree

June 27, 2023

Sending love to the Anderson family--especially to you, Kenny, we are keeping you all in our prayers.

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