David W. Anderson

David W. Anderson, age 75, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on March 8, 2025. David was born to Charles F. Anderson and Maxine M. Stokes Anderson on March 17, 1949 in Buffalo, Missouri. David graduated from Hillcrest High School. He proudly served in the United States Navy. During his tour of duty in Vietnam, David was a firefighter in the city of Da Nang. On the USS Sperry, he worked in the machine shop machining parts for both diesel and nuclear submarines. David was united in marriage to Gaytha ( Lathrop) Anderson on January 11, 2002 and were happily and lovingly married until her passing on July 17, 2023.
David was employed and retired from Burlington Northern and from the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in the Springfield. Before and after his retirement, David lived a remarkably busy social life. David was a lifelong member and officer of VFW Post 3404, Shrine Mosque Abou Ben Adhem, Elks Lodge 409, and was a Past Master and member of Billings Masonic Lodge 379. He was also a member of the Heritage Church in Springfield. David was an excellent guitar player and musician. He was also an automobile enthusiast and builder of award-winning hot rods. Those of us who were lucky enough to hear him sing were blessed by his beautiful voice. David was a caring, loving, and doting husband, father, and friend and loved to spend time with everyone. David was loved by many and will be missed but definitely not forgotten.
David was preceded in death by his wife, Gaytha; son, Paul; father, Charles F. Anderson; mother, Maxine Anderson; brothers, Charles 'Chuck' Anderson, Harold Anderson, and Randy Anderson. He is survived by his brother, Paul E. Anderson and wife, Wanda; sister, Sue and husband, Rick; sister, Linda and husband, Bill; daughter, Beth Lutes and husband, Todd; son, Beau Anderson and wife, Sara; and their mother, Patti Jefferies; stepdaughters, Kecia Maxwell, Alicia French and husband James; grandchildren, Logan Anderson and Avery Anderson; step-grandchildren: Taylor Lutes, Connor Lutes, Hunter Maxwell, Harley Maxwell, Hannah Maxwell, Chase Hicks; great-granddaughter, Amara Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for David will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 am, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East in Springfield. A funeral service for David will be held immediately after the visitation at 11:00 am, with burial to follow at Robberson Prairie Cemetery in northern Greene County.
A special thank you to The Township and Seasons Hospice for the care and respect shown to David, his family, and his friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in David's memory to the VFW 3404 "Veterans Relief Fund."
Arrangements are under the compassionate direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home East in Springfield, Missouri.