Kenneth Raoul Anderson

Kenneth “Ken” Raoul Anderson, 90, born June 6, 1935, in Chattanooga, TN, died at his home in Walla Walla, WA, on May 7, 2026, with his wife Diane holding his hand. Ken was an outgoing, lovable man who made friends easily wherever he went.

Ken moved with his father to Southern California at an early age. He attended high school and college in Long Beach, CA. He spent many happy and productive years as a student in the Theatre Arts Department at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).

Ken served in the Navy on the battleship USS Wisconsin during the Korean War. Later, Ken joined the Army Reserve and did some active duty Army time as well. He retired as a Sergeant Major in 1995.

Ken was a teacher in the L.A. Unified School District for 20 years, teaching at the high school and junior high levels. Ken loved teaching, especially teaching Acting and Play Production. He was also a serious film buff and shared his knowledge of film history with students and friends.

Ken and Diane moved to Washington state in the mid-1980s. They lived in the Puget Sound Area for about 30 years, then moved to the east side of the state. In his later years, Ken enjoyed a surprise success as a print model. You might see his face pop up anywhere. He also confirmed his belief in lifelong learning by studying American Sign Language (ASL) at the age of 75. The time he spent in the Deaf Community and the friends he made there were memories he cherished.

After multiple retirements, Ken enjoyed visiting with friends, road trips with his wife, and taking it easy at home. Ken did not want a formal memorial service or gathering. He wanted nothing more than for friends, students, and others whose lives he touched to remember him fondly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local animal shelter or planting a tree through the Plant a Tree program on the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home website. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.