John Wayne Anderson

Consummate storyteller, enthusiastic fly fisherman, devoted father and grandfather, friend to all and stranger to none, John Wayne Anderson, 81, of Nacogdoches, Texas, died on February 12, 2026. 

John was born in 1944 in Gilmer, Texas, to Arthur and Doris Anderson. He graduated from Harmony High School in Upshur County before earning his bachelor’s degree, two Masters of Science degrees at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M at Commerce), and a PhD at North Texas State (now University of North Texas). Once his studies were completed, he joined the faculty at Stephen F. Austin State University and later started his own business as an IT and systems consultant. He was a member at First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches. 

John was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother Harold, and sister Judy. He is survived by his brother Robert and sister Beverly; his ex-wife Phyllis; his children Barry and Ashley; his daughter in law Sarah; and his grandson Finn. 

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer, Texas with visitation being 1 hour prior to service. Interment to follow at Grice Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Park Foundation would be greatly appreciated.