Norman “Neale” Anderson, Jr., 90, of rural Belvue, Kansas, died Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.
He was a long-time resident of the area. Neale was born on June 23, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Norman Anderson, Sr. and Edna Marie (Welch) Anderson. He lived in Ohio until his family moved to Alma in 1946, where he graduated from Alma High School in 1952.
Neale then served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1954 until 1957. He achieved a rank of Sergeant with Advanced Combat Training.
When Neale returned home, he pursued various construction work. He had a personal belief that you should never use one nail if there was room for two. He then began working for the Santa Fe Railroad as a carman welder. He retired after 25 years due to his health.
Neale loved to ride trains, especially steam-driven ones and he had a passion for roller coasters, especially the “woodies”. He enjoyed martial arts and pro football. His favorite teams were the Packers and the Chiefs. He was a Christian man who looked forward to the gathering of both past and future family and friends with Jesus in God’s Holy Kingdom.
Neale married Lola Dugan on June 3, 1960, in Alma, Kansas. They shared a wonderful life together for sixty-four years. Lola survives at their home.
Neale is also survived by his children; Dennis Anderson (Mina), Alma, David Anderson (Jenifer), McFarland, and Julie Osif (Jeffrey), McFarland; his grandchildren, Jason Anderson (Tara), Emily Estrada, Zachary Anderson (Christy), Jessica Osif, and Janie Osif; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Tyler, Aliyah, Robbie, and Grace; and numerous step- grand and great-grandchildren. Neale was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gary Anderson.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Immanuel Faith Community Church Wells Creek. Pastor Tim Pearson will be officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Neale will lie-in-state, Tuesday, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. The family will greet friends and family from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. They suggest memorial contributions to either Kansas Honor Flight -Wamego or Purple Power Animal Welfare Society, and those may be sent in care of the funeral home.