Phillip Richard Anderson

Phillip Richard Anderson, lifelong resident of Walla Walla, died Sept.13, 2018.

He preceded his grandfather, August Anderson from Sweden, his father, Robert (Dude) Anderson and his mother, Ruth Borgan Anderson. In addition, Phil had a sister, Evelyn Anderson and a nephew, Stephen Seal. All were long time farmers in the Walla Walla Valley since the 1900s. Phil also precedes his wife, Shirley Ann Anderson of 44 years. They met at the theater auditioning for the same play and were married shortly after in 1962.

They have two children, Kerry Anderson (Mitch Blankenship) and Vicky Burton (Josh Burton) both who live in Walla walla. He was also blessed with a grandson, Matthew Hines (Shauna Hines) and a great-grandchild, Grace Hines, all of who loved him very much.

Phil attended Sharpstein Elementary School which was both an elementary and middle school at the time. He then graduated from Wa-Hi. He went on the WSU for a short time and was in the military as a radio operator in Germany. He was a long time member of the Walla Walla Country Club and Shadow Mountain Club in Palm Desert, CA where he regularly played golf. He was also a member of the Walla Walla elks club. He was beloved by many people. He was a wonderful father and husband who would do anything for his family.

He preceded his fiancé Betty Golden who is also a long time resident of Walla Walla. Phil will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Sept. 29 at the Elks Club in Walla Walla from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St. Walla Walla, WA.