Paul Rodney Anderson
Paul Rodney Anderson
1933 – 2022
Paul Rodney Anderson, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on June 13 2022 at his home in Draper Utah. He was born to Oscar Alma Anderson and Mary Lottie Ashby on December 28th in Fillmore Utah as the sixth of eight children.
He grew up running around the foothills and mountains of Fillmore. He loved his dog Butch who saved his life by killing a rattle snake, and enjoyed his other pet Billy, a fawn deer he took care of.
He fell in love with his future wife, Joyce Marshall, in second grade. He always told the story of how he met the little girl with the most beautiful brown eyes he had ever seen. They were married and sealed for Eternity in the Salt Lake Temple June 14, 1957. Paul passed away only 30 minutes before celebrating their 65th anniversary.
His mother instilled a love of music and song into his heart which continued to grow throughout his lifetime. He participated in musical performances at the Grand Canyon lodge as a young boy, and eventually participated in Barbershop quartet groups, and various choirs. A highlight of musical experiences was having the opportunity to rehearse with the Tabernacle Choir as a guest member.
He attended Brigham Young University on a leadership scholarship, and earned his degree in accounting. He had mentioned that the only semester that could have been better was his first. All subsequent semesters he enjoyed greatly because mom, his future wife, was able to join him. He also enjoyed the future semesters because he knew 95% of the student body by their first names. Even then, he was an outgoing gregarious man who never forfeited an opportunity for a conversation.
He and Joyce had two children. Richard and Staci. As his work and church responsibilities obliged him to spend more time away from the house, Joyce became the stabilizing force at home, taking care of everything else so that he could give the time and service that he wanted to give.
The principal goal in his life was service to others. In addition to countless acts of silent service, he served within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a counselor in the Elder’s Quorum, Ward Clerk, Ward Executive Secretary, Counselor in the Bishopric, Bishop, Counselor in the Stake Presidency (twice), Mission President (Australia, Melbourne) Patriarch, and Temple Sealer. He would never make this public himself, but during his 20 years as Patriarch he gave over 1,800 blessings. He was also able to perform many wedding ceremonies and sealings for family members, friends, and former missionaries in the temple.
While at BYU, his athletic competence progressed as he ran for BYU track & field, setting many conference records and having the opportunity to run in the United States Olympic trials. He traveled the world competing, and enjoyed those he competed with and against, including his own brothers.
Paul joined the army during the Korean war. While in military service, he was able to befriend many and share the gospel through his excellent example. He never missed an opportunity to share what he believed in.
Paul joined the Harman family in 1968. He started as an accountant in Salt Lake City. Six years later, he was transferred to the California offices where he worked as the Director of Training. In 1982 he became the Director of Purchasing before retiring in 1995 after 28 years of dedicated work with Harman’s.
After retiring, Paul and Joyce were called to be the Mission President of the Melbourne, Australia mission. During those 3 years, he added many more sons and daughters to his family.
Paul’s love for the outdoors followed him from childhood. His move from California to Utah allowed him to pursue his passion for hunting, and spending time with his family in nature.
Paul was not only known for his unconditional love, but also for his insightful guidance. Some of his final words of advice were “Never leave without saying I love you”, and “Make sure you spend time together and enjoy each other”.
Paul is survived by his wife, Joyce Marshall Anderson. Children, Richard and Staci with their spouses,
27 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Brothers, Oscar and Scott Anderson.
A viewing will be held on Saturday June 18, 2022 from 11:00-12:45 pm at the Corner Canyon Stake Center, 13366 South 1300 East in Draper Utah. Funeral services will follow from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. A brief graveside service will then be conducted at the Fillmore Utah Cemetery at 4:00 pm. We kindly ask that in lieu of flowers that a donation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ missionary fund or humanitarian aid fund be considered.
A planned live broadcast of the funeral will take place from 1:00 – 2:00pm MST. Please click this URL to join. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86257094348?pwd=T1JDcVI1clNkTlRnOVNFNEM1Vzlqdz09
Passcode: 2022
We would love to hear from anyone who wants to share experiences, stories or feelings about this wonderful man. He had so much to teach his posterity, we would love to have these stories to pass on. You can email Staci Smith (daughter) at kcsc86@yahoo.com