Leonel Howard Anderson

L. Howard Anderson, 90, of Rigby, died Monday, Dec. 1, 2003, in Rigby. He was born on June 1, 1913, in Acequia, Minidoka County, Idaho, the first son and fourth child of Hilda Ann Christina Hokanson and Leonel Anderson. The family moved to various locations with his father’s work, and young Howard attended schools throughout Idaho including in Sugar City, Rexburg, Shelley, and Pocatello. He met Helen Fern Taylor in 1932, and married her on November 18, 1935 in the Salt Lake Temple. They made their home in Rigby and welcomed four children over the years. They had 53 wonderful years together before she died in 1988. He was known throughout the Upper Valley for his skills as a contract painter. He and his wife owned and operated the Anderson Paint and Decorating Center in Rexburg during the 1970s. They enjoyed square dancing and taught many people in the area to square dance. In 1953, he served as president of the Caller’s Association for the Upper Snake River Valley, and was featured as a caller on a weekly program on KID Radio. He was also active for many years in the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Posse. He was a High Priest in and an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in many church capacities including Scouting, Sunday School, youth programs, family history, and the Elders’ Quorum. Survivors include his children, Frances Arlene (Vaughn) Hawkes of Orem, Utah; Robert L. (Pat) Anderson, Steven T. (Lori) Anderson, and Sharol Lyn (Brad) Foster, all of Rigby; two brothers, Vernon Anderson of McCammon; and Keith Anderson of Arimo, Idaho; two sisters, Edith Lay, Greencastle, Missouri; and Ruth Medina of Chula Vista, California; 18 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and three sisters, Goldie, Mildred and May. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, in the Rigby East Stake Center, 4021 East 300 North, with Bishop Steve Anderson presiding. The family will visit with friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5 at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main St., Rigby, and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Stake Center. Burial will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby.