Gerald Blaine Anderson
August 30, 1942 - April 20, 2017
Gerald Blaine Anderson, 74 passed away peacefully on April 20, 2017 at home surrounded by those dearest to his heart. Gerald, our gallant and fearless patriarch, heeded the calling of his Savior to lead a challenging life with physical limitations and complex illnesses so that he could be an example and a guide for others. He gave unselfishly of himself so that all could bear witness to and grow from his commitment in his faith in the Lord, his strength to confront and overcome adversity, his determination to succeed, and his unrelenting stubbornness to never submit to a difficult challenge. We will forever cherish his infinite wisdom, direct, and loving guidance, as we continue forward on our own journeys.
Gerald was born in Mayfield, Utah on August 30, 1942 to James Darald and Hazal Zina (Jensen) Anderson. Raised in Mayfield Gerald was the only boy of four children. He graduated from Gunnison High School in 1960. Gerald had a passion to gain knowledge and the art of woodworking. He pursued these passions in college; Gerald enrolled in Snow College and Utah State University where he flourished academically graduating with a degree in Industrial Arts.
His soulmate for all eternity, Eva Joy (Reid), was truly the Joy of his life. They fell in love immediately upon meeting and that love and companionship filled their marriage for 53 years. They were married in the Manti Temple for time and all eternity on June 21, 1963. Together they brought four beautiful children into this world: Sandy Jo, Carol Joy, Derald Kenneth and Traci Le. Their children embody Gerald's and Joy's best attributes: unwavering faith, commitment to family, unconditional love, compassion for others, endless generosity, perseverance, creativity, kindness and acceptance of all.
He taught at Carbon High School in Price for 39 years. Gerald could not walk down the street or enter a store without running into a former student or student's parent and being warmly greeted and thanked for his influence. A skilled teacher, Gerald taught students life lessons in hard work as they built homes, drafted plans, built projects, and learned how to operate motor vehicles. He was a dedicated educator who was grateful for the many opportunities to be a positive guide in young people's lives.
Gerald lived a full and active life with many interests and loves. Gerald loved his involvement in Lions Club, Sheriff Posse, coaching the high school Rodeo Team, hunting, farming, belted galloways, four- wheeling, traveling, and AgrAbility.
Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Sandy Jo Smith (Woody Crowell), and grandsons Liam Smith and Adam Crowell. He is survived by his loving wife Eva Joy, children Carol Anderson (Jack Cole), Derald Anderson and Traci Anderson Beckstead (Jedadiah Beckstead), grandchildren Ellwood III, Katie (Josh), McKay (Lexi), Ari(Robert), Martin, Camryn, Halie, Aidan, Breeanna, Ava, Dax, Airrington and great grandchildren Charlie, Cameron, Eleanor. His sisters Colleen Martin, Doris Memmott, Burnell Boggan.
Like his Savior, Gerald was a craftsman in and of life. We are grateful for the artistry with which he built and led our family.
The family invites all who knew Gerald to a memorial service from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM followed by a celebration of Gerald's life from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM on Thursday, April 27, 2017. Both the memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, in Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the valet parking provided on the north side of the building. Interment will be at the Mayfield City Cemetery and will take place Friday, April 28, 2017 at 10:00 AM.
Gerald was born in Mayfield, Utah on August 30, 1942 to James Darald and Hazal Zina (Jensen) Anderson. Raised in Mayfield Gerald was the only boy of four children. He graduated from Gunnison High School in 1960. Gerald had a passion to gain knowledge and the art of woodworking. He pursued these passions in college; Gerald enrolled in Snow College and Utah State University where he flourished academically graduating with a degree in Industrial Arts.
His soulmate for all eternity, Eva Joy (Reid), was truly the Joy of his life. They fell in love immediately upon meeting and that love and companionship filled their marriage for 53 years. They were married in the Manti Temple for time and all eternity on June 21, 1963. Together they brought four beautiful children into this world: Sandy Jo, Carol Joy, Derald Kenneth and Traci Le. Their children embody Gerald's and Joy's best attributes: unwavering faith, commitment to family, unconditional love, compassion for others, endless generosity, perseverance, creativity, kindness and acceptance of all.
He taught at Carbon High School in Price for 39 years. Gerald could not walk down the street or enter a store without running into a former student or student's parent and being warmly greeted and thanked for his influence. A skilled teacher, Gerald taught students life lessons in hard work as they built homes, drafted plans, built projects, and learned how to operate motor vehicles. He was a dedicated educator who was grateful for the many opportunities to be a positive guide in young people's lives.
Gerald lived a full and active life with many interests and loves. Gerald loved his involvement in Lions Club, Sheriff Posse, coaching the high school Rodeo Team, hunting, farming, belted galloways, four- wheeling, traveling, and AgrAbility.
Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Sandy Jo Smith (Woody Crowell), and grandsons Liam Smith and Adam Crowell. He is survived by his loving wife Eva Joy, children Carol Anderson (Jack Cole), Derald Anderson and Traci Anderson Beckstead (Jedadiah Beckstead), grandchildren Ellwood III, Katie (Josh), McKay (Lexi), Ari(Robert), Martin, Camryn, Halie, Aidan, Breeanna, Ava, Dax, Airrington and great grandchildren Charlie, Cameron, Eleanor. His sisters Colleen Martin, Doris Memmott, Burnell Boggan.
Like his Savior, Gerald was a craftsman in and of life. We are grateful for the artistry with which he built and led our family.
The family invites all who knew Gerald to a memorial service from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM followed by a celebration of Gerald's life from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM on Thursday, April 27, 2017. Both the memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, in Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the valet parking provided on the north side of the building. Interment will be at the Mayfield City Cemetery and will take place Friday, April 28, 2017 at 10:00 AM.