Vernon David Anderson Jr.

Vernon "David" Anderson, Jr. was called to his eternal home on February 14th, 2026. David was born to Vern and Dorothy (Wilson) Anderson on August 28, 1952, in Fort Collins, Colorado. David was raised in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming and Colorado where he learned to be very resourceful, with very little; a trait that would carry with him throughout his life. One example of his resourcefulness was when he and his brother dug a deep, long trench at the ages of 12 and 10 so they could have running water in their cabin in the woods. David's family lived in the Northern Colorado area attending both Waverly Elementary and Cache LaPoudre Junior High. He then attended Poudre High School in Fort Collins, Colorado and where he graduated in 1970. Through mutual friends and "hangouts" he met the love of his life, Debra (Debbie) Braden. While dating Debbie, he landed a job running a 30-ton LeTourneau Log Stacker for Craik Lumber Company in Centennial Wyoming at 17 years old. He went on to marry Debbie in July of 1972 and had 3 children. David was a man of faith and in 1985 surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. David was known for being a man of few words, but when he did speak, everyone knew they should listen. He was also known for his wisdom and brilliant mind which translated into numerous years working as a welder/fabricator. There was nothing that he couldn't fix or build. His love for faith and family was second to none. He had a wonderful sense of humor and had many funny sayings that the family will continue to keep fresh; "Keep a strain on it", "Endeavor to persevere" and "if the job ain't hard, it's the wrong job". Nothing was more important to him than his duty as a father and husband. Once while working a welding job in southern Colorado, he and his brother Dan lived in a cave so they could save money to send home to their families. In 2004 he moved to Deming, New Mexico and fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a welding and fabrication business with his brother Dan. Deming, New Mexico was where he called home for the last 21 years. David is survived by his loving wife, Debbie of 54 years, his three children Sheila (Rodney) Roque, Shawn and Shelby Anderson; his grandchildren Hannah (Cody) Brookhouser and Justin (Aspen) Devey and his great-grandchildren Logan, Zia, Luna and Marvel; his siblings, Verna (Jerry) Brown, Dan Anderson, Lesa (John) Reagan and Donna (Darren) Emerick; his sister-in-law Diane Devey and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. David was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be missed dearly. "Keep a strain on it, and we love you, Pa."

Visitation will be Thursday afternoon, February 19, 2026 from 2 to 6 at Baca's Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be Friday February 20, 2026 at 12 noon at Baca's Funeral Chapel with Brother Tyrell Patton officiating. Concluding services and interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery.