Larry Eti "Papa" Anderson

Born in Greeley, Colorado on November 24, 1937 – Welcomed into glory on Monday, January 26, 2026

Larry's life read like a joyful, loudly declared hymn, steady, faithful, and full of grace and praise. Born to Eti and Florence Anderson, and lovingly raised by Eti and Willa Johnson Anderson, he devoted his working years to investment, insurance, and business development, offering families clear counsel and a trustworthy hand.

Larry believed deeply in Community, He served as President of the Weld County School District 6 Board and gave his time and heart to organizations such as the Greeley Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), Resurrection Fellowship and School, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was also instrumental in bringing a Billy Graham film to Greeley, an outreach that touched hearts, changed lives, and left an eternal imprint on the community. Whether supporting students, encouraging colleagues, or strengthening young athletes in faith and character, he lived out the truth that investing in others is one of life's highest callings.

Sport shaped him from boyhood: he would throw a ball against a wall for hours, ride his grandpa's horse to help herd cattle for a refreshing Coca Cola, and grow into a gifted competitor on the court, in the bowling alley, and on the diamond. He helped lead a state championship basketball team and was later honored with inductions into the Greeley Central High School Hall of Fame and the University of Colorado Hall of Fame for multiple sports. His baseball talent once took him to a tryout with the New York Yankees.

When basketball and baseball no longer allowed, golf became his devotion. He won countless tournaments, played scratch golf at 87, and celebrated a joyous and long awaited hole in one last fall, a triumphant check on his earthly bucket list.

But beyond his own athletic gifts, Papa's greatest joy was watching, and coaching, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in whatever sport they chose to pursue. From sidelines to bleachers to backyards, he was their steady encourager, their proudest fan, and their quiet teacher in character and perseverance.

Above all, Larry loved Jesus. He and his wife prayed daily over their family by name, and his faith threaded through every conversation and every choice, weaving into the very fabric of their home. Though he rarely sang, some of his last words were him confidently singing to his Savior, "To God be the Glory." That simple song of blessing felt like the fitting close to a life that continually pointed others toward the hope of our Savior. His legacy was an inheritance of faith; and we can proudly declare that his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all know and love Jesus.

He was kind to everyone, a friend to everyone, and always had a smile that warmed the room. If you knew him, you loved him, and you looked forward to his stories and one liners.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Patricia Flood Anderson; his eight children, Kelly (Paul), Tracey (Bill), Joel (Alisa), and James (Nanci); 25 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Susan Hayden and is survived by his sister Donna Upton.

Celebration of Life Service

Birmingham: Friday, March 6, at 11:00. Church of the Highlands, Greystone Campus.

Colorado: The family will also hold a Celebration of Life in the Greeley area on May 16.