Norman Lee Anderson

Norman Lee Anderson was born on the family farm in Waynesville, Missouri, on October 8, 1932, to William C. Anderson and Mary E. (Hill) Anderson. He departed this life for his heavenly reward on October 13, 2025, at the age of 93. Norman was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Loretta (Brooks), his parents, W.C. Anderson and Mary (Hill), and his three brothers: W.C. Anderson Jr., Andrew George Anderson, and Charles Arthur Anderson.
Norman and Loretta were blessed with three children: William D. Anderson (Susan), Norma Jean Hanson, and Linda Kay Renno (Douglas). He is also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom will surely miss him dearly.
Norman attended Waynesville Schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade, graduating with the Class of 1951. He had a passion for basketball and played on the 1951 Tiger Basketball team. The team finished their champion season with an impressive win/loss record of 35-5, losing those five games by a total of only 11 points. They won the Blue and Gold Tournament and finished second in the Tournament of Champions, narrowly losing in triple overtime to Ozark. Norman's athletic accomplishments and leadership qualities helped earn the entire team recognition in the Waynesville High School Athletic and Activity Hall of Fame.
In 1949 during his junior year of high school, Norman and several classmates enlisted in the Missouri National Guard (Federally Recognized National Guard) for a period of six years. He honorably separated from the Missouri National Guard in 1955, achieving the rank of Corporal.
Norman and his brother owned and operated the Missouri Vending Machine Company and HAM Auto Vend from the 1940s until 2009. Their full-line vending services included food, snacks, beverages, penny scales, peanut machines, jukeboxes, pinball machines, pool tables, darts, and video games.
In his youth, Norman attended the First Baptist Church of Waynesville. During the early 1960s, his family worshipped at Westside Baptist Church. Later on, Norman, Loretta, and their children became members of Mount Gibson Baptist Church. While residing at the Life Care Center of Waynesville, Norman also participated in the church services and singing programs offered there.
Norman loved sports and his company, Missouri Vending, sponsored Little League teams, Babe Ruth baseball, men's slow-pitch teams, and men's bowling teams. He found great joy in woodworking, creating rocking chairs, bath cabinets, rabbit huts and nest boxes, coat racks with shelving, and hundreds of knickknacks.
Norman was a dedicated member of Waynesville Masonic Lodge 375 AF & AM, earning the distinction of Master Mason. He was also a member of the Ft. Wood / Pulaski County Shrine Club.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the professional and caring staff at Waynesville Life Care Center and to the hospice care nurses of Compassus. Their compassion and support not only cared for Norman but also assisted family members throughout the entire process.
Celebration of Life services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Norman Anderson and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.