Howard Charles Anderson, 88, died on Saturday October 18th, 2014 at Blessing Hospital. A lifelong native of Quincy, IL he is survived by his wife of 65 years Bonnie Jean (Boll) Anderson, sister Lois Thornton, daughter and son-in-law Christine and Rodney Ward, grandson Christopher Smith, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Charles and Mildred Anderson, and his daughter Sherry Anderson.

Howard leaves behind a robust legacy of hard work, love and, above all, steadiness and dedication. When called upon, he was there. First it was his country when in 1944 Howard answered and served in the Army during World War II. Like so many others of his generation, he returned home from the Pacific seeking a family and gainful employment, and found both. Howard married Bonnie on their birthday, August 9, 1949, and stayed by her until his death 65 years later. And after securing employment at the US Post Office in 1954, Howard dedicated himself to his profession for 30 years, rising through the ranks to become Superintendent of the Motor Vehicle Department before retiring in 1984. Outside of work Howard was a 50 year member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge #296 and a lifetime member of the Southside Boat Club. Notwithstanding the countless people that served and worked with him during this time, Howard’s influence was no doubt felt strongest in the family of which he was patriarch. Whether it was a grandson’s broken toy or a daughter’s broken heart, there was no fatherly task too tough for him to tackle. Through celebratory days as well as the tumult that life inevitably throws our way, it was self-evident that Howard would always be there, to champion and to console.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 24, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Interment will be in Quincy Memorial Park with military honors. Visitation will be held on Friday beginning at 12:00 noon until the time of services at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children and Boys Town.