Marc J. Anderson

Marc Julian Anderson passed away on February 11, 2026, in Springfield, Oregon, surrounded by his family and close friends. A lifelong Oregonian, Marc was born in The Dalles on February 22, 1943. He grew up along Mountain Creek in Mitchell, exploring with his dog Duke, listening to the World Series exploits of his hero Mickey Mantle on the radio, and spending weekends with his friends riding recreational jeeps on the Painted Hills. Marc was a four-sport high school athlete (football, basketball, baseball, and track). One of a graduating class of six, he would joke that the football players had to do it all - offense, defense, and be the marching band at halftime. Marc was his senior class president and played cornet. Always an avid reader, Marc then graduated from Willamette University in 1965 with a degree in history.

Marc was a proud and brave veteran who volunteered for service with the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966. He attended Officer Candidates Schools at Camp Pendleton, flight school in Pensacola, Florida, and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in May 1967. Serving in Vietnam with the HMM-163 "Ridge Riders" from September 1967 to November 1968, he primarily flew the Sikorsky UH-34D "Seahorse" on many dangerous combat, rescue, and supply missions. Among his military honors, he received the Presidential Unit Citation for "extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy" for his support of the 26th Marines at the months-long Siege of Khe Sanh. In November 1968 he returned to the United States and joined the HMM-264 at New River, North Carolina. He continued to fly until he completed his active military duty in 1970, by then holding the rank of Captain. Marc stayed connected throughout his life with members from his unit and had many meaningful visits in later years to the Vietnam "Wall" in D.C. to remember fallen comrades.

While stationed in North Carolina, he joined his friends at a party and happened upon a cute blonde named Shirley Ann Hepler. After a six-week whirlwind courtship, the two became engaged while driving in his Ford Torino with the Beach Boys playing in the background. Not quite yet the romantic, Marc mumbled something to the effect of "Don't suppose you'd want to get married?" Shirley thought she heard him correctly but asked him to repeat himself just to be sure. They were married in Raleigh, North Carolina at Hayes Barton Baptist Church on November 1, 1969. After Marc's discharge, the two hopped back in the Torino for a drive across the country to his parents' cattle ranch, in Antelope, Oregon, where Marc worked for a year as a cowpoke while planning his next steps.

Marc joined the Oregon State Police (OSP) in 1970 and was assigned to the Eugene/ Springfield station in 1971. For the next 26 years he served as a state trooper, forensics expert, and later as a narcotics detective and liaison officer to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Never a braggart, his family would sometimes happen upon an article in the newspaper and then learn about his role in major domestic and international drug busts. After retiring from the OSP in 1997, he worked for the Federal Protective Service through the U.S. Marshalls office until 2006. Marc's colleagues would frequently recount stories of Marc's keen observation skills, sense of service, and high moral compass. He was known to astutely remind his law enforcement colleagues that they are not paid for what they do, but rather what they might have to do.

Marc called Springfield home for the rest of life. Marc was a dedicated father to his two children, Darcy (born 1972) and Adam (born 1979), never missing a sporting event, recital, or performance. Both his children attended the UO, and Marc was an avid fan of Duck athletics. During his retirement, Marc enjoyed traveling, spending time with his grandchildren, golfing, and becoming more active in his faith. He spent many hours every week volunteering at the Catholic Community Services Food Pantry as well as the First Baptist Church's Kids' Club. Marc had a love for 70s classic rock and outlaw country music that never faded; KZEL remained his go-to radio station for over 50 years. He was a talented sharpshooter and collected guns and knives. He was also a Renaissance man, achieving an intermediate level in Tai Chi and becoming a very respectable cook in his later years, with everyone wanting to try his lentil soup or chicken chili. He never loved cold weather, but maximized warm, sunny days and took in pretty views, whether in his backyard, Central Oregon, or along the Oregon Coast. Marc was a truly stand-up guy with a gentle soul, rare warmth, quick wit, and deep intellect. Even though he was quiet, when he spoke people listened and his presence was always felt and brought comfort to those around him. He was loved and respected by all who knew him.

Marc was a devoted husband to Shirley, and a loving father to Darcy and Adam, and extended that love to their respective spouses, Amal and Ali, and grandchildren Owen, Nicky, Alex, and Eva. Marc was preceded in death by his mother G. Ann Smith, stepfather Earl Smith, and father Alvin "Andy" Anderson. He will be deeply missed – but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Catholic Community Services of Lane County (https://www.ccslc.org/donate).

A celebration of life will be scheduled this spring at First Baptist Church.