ANDERSON, Roy Evan: Died 1971

ANDERSON, POTTER

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 8/16/2018 at 20:03:28

Roy Evan Anderson

Roy Evan Anderson was born November 6, 1880, and departed this life October 2, 1971, at the age of 90 years, 10 months, 26 days. He was one of eight children born to Levi and Margaret Anderson, and was born in Birmingham, Iowa. His father fought in twenty battles in the Civil War. His childhood days were spent in the usual manner of farmer lads, and he was under his parental roof until he was in his twenties.

When he was 25, he enlisted in the United States Marines on August 20, 1906, and was discharged on August 19, 1910. When World War I broke out, he could not but respond to his patriotic impulses, and at 36 years old he re-enlisted in the Marines on May 18, 1917. He was in the 51st Company, 5th Regiment, 2nd Division. One month later he was in France fighting the Germans, where he stayed for 17 months, from June 27, 1917 to November 19, 1918.

In June 1918 he saw action in a twenty day battle with the enemy at Belleau Woods, France. The Marines charged the enemy gunners in a bloody encounter, and, although a third of the brigade was left, the enemy lost four divisions which, a month before, had been advancing confidently toward Paris. He spent two days in Luxembourg, and on December 1, 1918, advanced into Germany, where he stayed for eight months. On August 13, 1919, he was discharged.

In 1920 at the age of 40 he was awarded 1 Victory Medal, 1 Aisne Medal, 1 St. Michael Medal, 1 House Argonne Medal, 1 Defensive Sector Medal, 5 Bronze Stars, and 1 Good Conduct Medal. He was twice cited by the French Government and was awarded the Fourrageres in Red and Green, the colors of the Croix de Guerre. He faithfully performed his duty throughout the entire Service.

In 1930 at the age of 50, he went to California, where in 1935 he was the Superintendent of the Haven of Rest Mission in West Los Angeles, where he met his future bride. He was united in marriage with Jean Elenore Potter, September 11, 1937, at the age of 56. To this union four children were born, who remain with his wife to mourn his departure. His oldest son, Rovan Levi; his daughter Judith Elain (he was 60 years old); his second son, Lester James Wharton (he was 63 years old); and his third son, Stephen Foster (he was 67 years old).

He was a licensed lay minister of the Free Methodist Church for many years. He was a great Bible reader and said in his last year, "God had shown him many things, and he was thankful and praised Him for it." He led a faithful and devoted Christian Life.

He was a very sacrificing father for his children, always longing for and mindful of their comfort. From us has gone one we shall greatly miss. We realize that a dear, loving father has gone from us, but feel our loss is his gain, for we shall meet him again around the Throne of God.

Source: "Slutts Book", Pg. 18, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA