Obituary published on Legacy.com by Highland Park Funeral Home and Crematory on Nov. 10, 2025.
With peaceful hearts, we share that Daniel Eugene Anderson Jr. went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by family and love. His faith was quiet but strong, and the home he built on earth continues in every heart he touched.
Daniel Eugene Anderson Jr. peacefully graduated to Heaven on November 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. We were, are, and will always be in awe of this moment and of this beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
He was born on a cold winter morning, January 16, 1961, in
Kansas City, Kansas, to his mother Barbara Ann Haberlein/Anderson/Laytham. He was 64 years old.
Daniel grew up in Kansas City, attending Chelsea Grade School, Eisenhower Junior High, and Washington High School. Though he left school early, he quickly found his calling in carpentry - a skill and passion that would define his life. By the age of 22, he was already leading his own crew, known for his strong work ethic and natural talent.
He met the love of his life, Tammy, on a blind date in 1980. They married in 1984 in Minnesota, sharing 41 years of marriage and 45 years together as one. Together, they built not only a family but a life filled with laughter, adventure, and love.
A proud craftsman from the "school of hard knocks," Daniel devoted his life to building homes across the Kansas City metro area. He didn't just build houses - he built thousands of them. There are very few neighborhoods in Kansas City that don't carry his mark, his craftsmanship, and his care.
Family was always Daniel's greatest pride and joy. He is survived by his mother Barbara Ann Laytham; his wife Tammy M. Anderson; his children Joshua Anderson (wife Jennie), Elizabeth Anderson (husband Luke), and Jared Anderson (wife Angelica); and his grandchildren William, Katelyn, Kirsten, Devin, Elzie, Cadence, Tyler, Bella, Tristan, Ezekual, Travis, Gabriel, Eliana, and Elena.
He is also survived by his siblings Raymond Anderson, Renee Hernandez, Denise Cassells, and David Anderson, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a beloved brother-in-law.
Daniel is preceded in death by his grandfathers Rueben Anderson and Harold Haberlein, his father D.E. Anderson Sr., the man who lovingly raised him Melvin E. Laytham, his father-in-law L.W. Franklin, and his grandson Malaki S. Anderson.
Beyond his work, Daniel lived life to the fullest. He loved late model dirt racing, earning Rookie of the Year and Sportsman of the Year honors - proof of his determination and heart. He also enjoyed fishing, horseback riding, traveling, water skiing, camping, and hunting - always alongside his family. In recent years, he took great joy in his interactive PlayStation racing games, and his laughter and "hootin' and hollerin'" became a cherished soundtrack at home.
To know Daniel was to know integrity, loyalty, love, patience, and kindness. He was a man of quiet strength, sharp wit, and a unique sense of humor. He was known to have a great sense of humor and to use little rhyming sayings and phrases daily - both professionally and personally - like "Git 'er done!" or "I love you so much, even if I stubbed my toe." He also had his own funny way of saying things, like calling bananas "Blanas." His words and laughter filled every room, and his playful spirit brought joy to all who knew him.
He was, and always will be, the smartest man his wife has ever known. His hands built homes, but his heart built a legacy of faith, family, and love that will live on in every life he touched.
His life was a masterclass in love, laughter, and devotion. Now, having graduated to Heaven, he builds no more with wood and nails, but with light and grace. The home he leaves behind - his family - will always carry his spirit within its walls.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025, at 10:00am at Evangelistic Center Church (5650 Renner Rd. Shawnee, KS 66218).
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