David Anderson: A legendary life well lived

The world has lost a great man.  You won't find his obituary in the New York Times.  His story is written on the hearts of those he left behind. Rich memories--overflowing with love, tenderness, unselfishness, devotion and unbridled joy. That's the legacy of David Anderson, Dianna's twin brother.

David departed his earthly home January 23, surrounded by his devoted wife of 60 years Ruth Ellen, their three children, grandchildren and family at a nursing home.  They sang David's favorite gospel hymns, holding his hands and stroking his head as life's light dimmed.

Ruth Ellen, a fierce advocate for David's care, caressed his hand.  "It's time to go home," she told him. "No more moves." David and Ruth Ellen changed addresses 22 times during their life together without ever leaving Seguin. Her poignant message resonated in the small room as David slipped into eternity.

He left behind the scourge of Alzheimer's disease, which held him hostage in a nursing home for more than three years. Even as his memory faded, David never lost his smile nor his generosity.  He faced his disease with uncommon courage.  Visitors  left uplifted by his indomitable spirit.

It's impossible to tell David's life story without first highlighting his faith. David gave new meaning to being a Christian.  He emptied himself for others for 78 years. He prayed often, even in public. He was devoted to Jesus and was unabashedly proud to share his faith with others. His faith defined his life.

One of his favorite exclamations was, "Praise God." And he didn't just say the words.  David volunteered in a prison ministry, sharing the gospel with inmates.  He assisted with vacation bible school, served on numerous church committees and was a deacon at First Baptist Church of Seguin.

David dug water wells in improvised communities in Central America. He delivered food to senior citizens via Meals on Wheels. He visited friends and strangers in nursing homes.  Neighbors knew they could always call on David if they needed a helping hand. 

After a 33-year career at Southwestern Bell, David joined his daughter Dawn, teaching math and reading in the Seguin school system. He also served as a sign language facilitator and library aide before retiring from the Seguin ISD after nine years.

After retirement from his second career, David volunteered at the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center and was eventually hired as a hospital chaplain, serving in hospice care.  He continued his service right up until the time cognitive issues arose.

In fact, even when David was receiving memory care in a nursing home, he was still touching others.  He would visit patients in their rooms, often stopping to pray and share a kind word.  David was upbeat in the face of a disease that would eventually rob him of his mobility and relegate him to a bed. 

David was so much more than his biography. His authenticity and humility shone through the stories recalled by those who knew him best. His youngest son Rob, who operates an investment firm, remembers his Dad's genuine love for everyone, especially the outcast.  

He recalls asking his Dad: "Who's your hero?"  He expected David to name Roger Staubach, the star quarterback of David's favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys. David demurred a minute and said, "Dennis Osteen." He was the most courageous person I've ever known, David told his teenaged son. 

Rob was confused because he had never heard that name.  So he quizzed his Dad.  David explained Dennis suffered from multiple sclerosis. He struggled to walk, grappled with learning disabilities and his speech was halting and slurred.  Most people shunned Dennis. Not David. 

David befriended Dennis, encouraging him and showering him with love. Dennis went on to become a deacon in David's church, serving others. At age 33, cancer snuffed out the fire in Dennis's life.  David visited Dennis regularly until the end.  He never abandoned his friend.

There was nothing unusual about David's outreach to others.  It was his life's calling.  In high school, everyone wanted to be with David.  He was voted class favorite every year at Seguin High School.  He was named Mr. Seguin High School his senior year.  He was a star football player who excelled on the gridiron and in the classroom. 

Dianna basked in David's achievements.  A lesser person might have been jealous.  But she was proud of David and he in turn boasted about his twin sister. Dianna remembers her friend Carla, who had four sisters, once confessing she wished David was her brother.  Everyone loved David.

David was always checking up on his Mom and Dad as well as his siblings. "It seemed he always knew when I needed to hear his voice," Dianna says.  "He would call.  We shared an amazing connection. He was and will always be my hero."

Growing up on a farm, Dianna and her three brothers and her sister, had daily chores.  There might have been a few grumbles, but not David. He was first to finish his chores and then he lent a helping hand to his siblings, Dianna remembers.  He was hard-working, generous and supportive.  

David honored his parents--John and Dorothy Anderson--with a lifetime of affection and support.  He was there when illnesses struck...when their house was flooded three times...when work needed to be done on their farm, such as harvesting the pecan crop.  And he never missed their family celebrations. 

David's daughter Dawn eulogized her Dad, recollecting his unwavering support for her and her two brothers.  "Daddy was there for us growing up and throughout our lives," she said.  As a requirement in high school, Dawn had to pick a sport to play as part of her physical education course.

Dawn chose tennis, a sport she had never played.  She admits she was not very good, in fact awful. She begged her Dad not to attend the tennis matches, because she was only going to lose.  Winning didn't matter to David. He attended every single match.  Showing up for family was David's life's passion.  

When I met Dianna 60 years ago, the first family member I encountered was David. We immediately bonded, since we both shared a love for Dianna.  I will never forget the kindness he showed me when I had my first visit to the family farm.  He made sure this city boy felt at home in the country.   

Over the years, David always made it a point to tell how proud he was of my career, beginning with my career in journalism.  Later, we both worked for Southwestern Bell. Whenever I got a promotion, he was first to say, "Praise God!" He was more than a brother in law.  He was a good and loyal friend. 

He was fun to be around because he was never despondent. I learned embracing the joy of life, even in the worst of times, was a gift from above.  I still remember David praying over meals, even in a restaurant, never hesitant to thank God for every life's blessings. 

David Anderson will be missed by hundreds of people he touched in his nearly eight decades on this Earth.  But he will never be forgotten for his endearing zest for life, his gentleness, compassion, goodness and charitableness. Rest well David.  You have finished the race.