Howard E. Anderson, age 101, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Homestead of Topeka.
He was born the son of Andrew J. and Anna E. (Clerico) Anderson on October 15, 1923. Howard attended Assumption Grade School and graduated from Capitol Catholic High School in 1942. After high school, Howard joined the United States Army and served in the South Pacific with the 96th Infantry Division during World War II, receiving the Bronze Star.
Following his service, Howard returned to Topeka and attended Washburn University and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949. On September 6, 1948, Howard married his beloved sweetheart, Marcella “Marcy” Clara Didde in Olpe, KS. Together, they shared 76 years of marriage before Marcy’s passing on November 30, 2024.
Howard’s career spanned 42 years with the Santa Fe Railway in Topeka and in 1983, he retired as the Project Control Administrator. He and Marcy loved to square dance, and he was a 23-year member of the Swinging Squares Dance Club.
Survivors include two sons, David L. Anderson (Barbara) of Newton, KS; and Gregory P. Anderson (Cherie) of Brooksville, FL. Other survivors include two grandsons, Andrew and Jacob Anderson; one step granddaughter, Elyse Miller (Chris) and their son, Landon; as well as his sister-in-law, Maybelle Scheetz of Topeka; and a brother-in-law, Arthur Didde of Burnsville, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marcy Anderson; and a sister, Marjorie Ybarra.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M., on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Howard will lie in state before the Mass on Friday from 9:30-10:30 A.M., at the church. Burial will follow with military honors at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.
Memorial contributions can be made in Howard’s memory to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home.
To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.
