John Deloyd Anderson

It is with a poignant mix of sadness and celebration we announce the passing of John Deloyd Anderson, 91, on March 9, 2026. He was born in Star Valley and spent most of his life here. We will miss him greatly, but we are blessed in the knowledge that he has worn himself out in the service of God, his family, and fellow men and women, and has now entered into the Rest of the Lord. He is reunited with his God, family, and friends who have passed on before.

Deloyd served Star Valley as the veterinarian throughout a period when much of the valley's economy was driven by livestock and dairy. Before we were the SV Braves, we were the Cheesemakers!!! As evidence of Deloyd's importance and respect in the area, for a long while you could mail him a letter from anywhere within a 50 mile radius with the simple address "Doc Anderson, town." Because cows don't organize time off from getting sick or hurt, Deloyd rarely was able to take time off himself. He was preserving people's livelihood, even for those who could not pay.

Deloyd married his college sweetheart Marilyn (Reed), a bona fide city girl from Denver, in the Salt Lake Temple. Upon moving to Wyoming, she adapted and supported him to the best of her ability, if not magnificently. Together they had 6 children: John Alan, Jeffrey Reed, Loree Kay (Cox), Marni Lynn (Manning), David Deloyd, and Dallin Michael. With increasing parenting expertise, each subsequent child turned out even more precious and glorious than those coming before. Still more amazing, their kids married even better better-halves, and many grandkids and great grandkids have followed. Deloyd and Marilyn do not comprehend the great things they have done as parents.

Deloyd's own parents, John Delos and Maurine (Michaelson) Anderson, were old-school work-driven pioneer stock. For Christmas every year they gifted everyone a pair of leather work gloves. Work ethic was their forte. After completing his education and training in veterinary medicine, Deloyd returned to work on the family ranch with his brother, Rowan. This ranch blessed them and the lives of their children by providing them ample opportunities to work and experience the law of the harvest. The legendary Star Valley work ethic was successfully passed on to the next generation. Deloyd and Rowan also share a sister, Joyce, who has also passed on.

With friends, Deloyd loved snowmobile expeditions, Dutch oven cooking, and singing. Deloyd was not perfect. He chose Beta over VHS, but he supported all his kids' activities and put music in their veins. His favorite animals included pets: Skippy, Taffy, Puss 'n' Boots, Duke, and a particularly charismatic cow, #10. He made the best pinewood derby cars. He loved weekly trips with his bride to serve in the Idaho Falls Temple. He loved the land and improving it, and his barn. He loved and respected all of God's creation. After a full life, he yearned to die working in the field, dignified in work, as his beautiful ancestors before him. He was, and remains, a great man, husband, and father.

Funeral services will be Saturday March 21st at 11:00 am at the Afton Tabernacle Building, with a viewing starting at 9:30 am. There will also be a viewing at the mortuary Friday March 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.