RICHARD ANDERSON obituary

JOPLIN - Richard Simon "Bud" Anderson, 79, died Saturday, July 17, 2004, at a Conrad nursing home.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Joplin. Burial of ashes with military rites will follow at the Joplin Cemetery.

Bud was born on March 17, 1925, to Simon and Ida (Bilden) Anderson at Havre. He grew up at Joplin and received his formal education there. He graduated from Joplin High School in 1943. Bud entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II as a medic. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Montana.

Bud married Phyllis Lorraine VanWechel on April 13, 1947, at Kalispell. They lived predominantly in the Joplin community, where they farmed. Bud sold the farm in 1972 and soon after bought the Palace Bar in Joplin. Phyllis died in 1989. Bud remained in their Joplin home until 2000, when he moved into the Sweetgrass Lodge in Chester. He transferred to the Pondera Medical Center in Conrad after his health deteriorated three months ago.

Bud was baptized and confirmed at the Bethel Lutheran Church, where he maintained a lifelong membership. He also was a member of the VFW Post in Chester.

Bud's hobbies included fishing, camping and vegetable gardening. He collected silver coins, Indian artifacts and other interesting memorabilia. He enjoyed playing cards at family get-togethers. In his quiet time, he liked to read or watch TV.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and siblings, Enoch Anderson, Marie Wilmes and Hazel Freeman Meldrum.

Survivors include his sons, Richard (Karen) of Conrad, Randy (Susan) of Miles City, Robert (Peggy) of Fargo, N.D., Roger (Christy) of Ionia, Mich., and Rodney (Kathy) of Belding, Mich.; 15 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Cremation and arrangements by Rockman Funeral Home, Chester.