Lawrence Arthur "L.A." Anderson

Lawrence Arthur L.A. Anderson, age 85 of rural Gladstone, Illinois died Monday October 27, 2014 in a traffic accident in rural Biggsville, IL. He was born June 19, 1929 in Monmouth, Illinois, the son of Frank and Meta Serfling Anderson. On July 28, 1957, he married Jane Kay Weir in Biggsville. She preceded him in death on July 18, 2002.

Mr. Anderson had farmed in Henderson County since 1961. He was a graduate of Monmouth High School, Monmouth College, and received a Masters Degree in Psychology from Bradley University in Peoria. He was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, and served as a Combat Medic during the Korean War. He had served on the boards of the Henderson County Farm Bureau, and Union School District, and was a member and Lay Leader of the Biggsville United Methodist Church. He was Chairman Emeritus of the Henderson County Republican Party. He was a former chairman of the Warren-Henderson Angus Association, and a member of the American Angus Association and the LaMoine Valley Angus Association. He was an active supporter of the Henderson County 4-H, and was a FFA Alumnus. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was also a member of the Biggsville American Legion.

Survivors include two daughters- Susan Marie ( Richard Lutz) Higgins of Biggsville, IL, Laura Kay Zimmer of Warrenton, MO, one son Lawrence Mark (Lori) Anderson of Knoxville, IA, eight grandchildren, Stephanie Kay (fianc Kenny Bell) Higgins, Joshua Steven (Lindsey) Higgins, Gretchen Jane Higgins, Jacob Dale Zimmer, Jeremiah Daniel Zimmer, Josiah Dylan Zimmer, Blair Victoria (Johnny) Eichenberger, Lydia Brooke Anderson, three great grandchildren, Kolton Lee Bell, Lillian Marie Higgins, Jensen Joshua Bell, and two sisters- in- law, Amy Louise Anderson of Kalamazoo,MI, and Jane Bigger Weir of Biggsville. He was preceded in death by his wife, one brother, Robert Anderson and one sister, Vivian Lowrie.

Friends may call after 3:00 p.m. Thursday at the Biggsville United Methodist Church, where the family will be present from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday October 31, 2014 in the Biggsville United Methodist Church with Pastor Jon Warren officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in the Biggsville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Biggsville United Methodist Church and West Central FFA Alumni Association. Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst is in charge of arrangements.