Wendell Duane Anderson

Wendell Duane Anderson, 96, Independence, MO passed away peacefully in the Kansas City, Missouri Veteran’s Hospital Hospice Wing on Saturday, August 7, 2021.

Wendell was born on July 3rd, 1925 to Edward and Angie Anderson in Lucerne, Missouri.

He graduated from Martinsville High School in 1943 and joined the Marine Corps following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Following his active service and return from Japan at the end of World War II, he married Betty Jane Brough on June 30, 1946 at Linwood Methodist Church in Kansas City. Their two children, Cynthia Gentsch and Randall Anderson, were born soon after the start of their seventy-two year union.

Wendell was a graduate of the Iowa State University School of Design with a degree in Architecture in Ames, Iowa and started his career in Kansas City with Dan R. Sanford & Son principally designing churches and schools for over seventeen years. He joined Robert Coffeen to form Coffeen, Anderson & Associates Acoustical Consultants for the remainder of his career helping design the sound systems for many sports arenas, civic convention facilities and public theaters.

Upon his retirement Wendell enjoyed touring the US and Hawaii, fishing in Canada, wood-working as well as enjoying time with his family and friends. He was a Master Gardener and loved flowers, and time outside to enjoy the seasonal changes and beauty of nature. He was a long-time active member of the Blue Ridge Boulevard United Methodist Church where he served faithfully until his declining health prevented further service.

Wendell was generous with his time and his giving to others throughout his life including his military service in the Marine Corps. He was a past president of the Plaza Lion’s Club, President of the Independence #21 Neighborhood Association, served on the United Methodist Building Committee, was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America, and was generous with numerous organizations including the American Heart Association, Cancer Foundation, KC Rescue Mission, Blind Association, Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled Veterans and many faith-based causes including support to the American Indian Nations.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty; daughter, Cynthia, and his brother, Bob and his wife, Thelma Anderson.

Survivors include son, Randall and daughter-in-law, Vicki Anderson; son-in-law, Kenneth Gentsch, wife Sharon; four grandchildren, Christina Oatis, Kevin Gentsch, Jake Anderson and Aaron Anderson and their spouses, Jason Oatis, Rita Childers, Maricruz Zavala Hernandez, and Laura Anderson; four great grandchildren, Olivia Oatis, Ella Oatis, Landon Anderson, and Ryleigh Rae Anderson;  nieces, Susan Norris and Patricia Culbertson and spouses, Jerry Norris and Michael Culbertson and son, Clayton Culbertson.

With loving remembrance, Wendell is gone but not forgotten. “A precious one from us has gone. A voice we loved is stilled; A place is vacant in our home, Which never can be filled. God in His wisdom has recalled the blessing his love had given, And though the body slumbers here, The soul is safe in Heaven.”

May he rest in peace by the redeeming grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, August 13, at 6:00 p.m. at The Blue Ridge Boulevard United Methodist Church, 5055 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64133 with Pastor Anchul Axelrod officiating. Graveside services with Military Rites will be held in Ravanna Cemetery, Ravanna, Missouri at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 14 under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Princeton, MO. Memorials may be made to Blue Ridge Boulevard United Methodist Church and/or Ravanna Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 316, Princeton, MO 64673. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com