Samuel E. Anderson, age 96, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Monday afternoon, December 23, 2019, at Flora Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.

   He was born February 28, 1923, in Bradley, Illinois, the son of Jesse and Madge (Guyott) Anderson.  He was united in marriage to Lucille J. Henson on January 22, 1942, in Flora, and together they celebrated 77 wedding anniversaries until her death March 3, 2019.

   Sam served in the U.S. Navy (Seabees) for four years during World War II.  Upon returning home from the war, Sam operated a small grocery and meat market located in the north end of Flora.  Sam worked for a period of time as a derrick hand drilling wells between Flora and Fairfield.  With the encouragement of Lucille and her family Sam was introduced to the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints.  Sam and Lucille, along with their first two children, Samuel and Michael, moved to Lamoni, Iowa, where Sam earned his associate degree.  He and his brother Estelle operated a Marathon Gas Station in Flora.  Sam enjoyed his church work and was ordained into the Priesthood of the RLDS Church and worked as a Missionary preaching throughout Southern and Central Illinois.  He continued his church work but opened and operated a Dixie Cream Donut business on the west end of Flora.  Sam’s continual interest in being a Missionary brought about numerous moves and occupations during the next several years.  The businesses included during these years were Southern Lumber Company in Fairfield, Missionary Field in Aurora, and Chicago Motor Club Insurance in Taylorville.  In 1959, Sam and Lucille returned to Flora where Sam again held numerous occupations while Lucille opened a Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio.  Sam managed Flora IGA, co-owned and operated Tastee Freez, Flora Greenhouse, Flora Bakery, and G.E. / Radio Shack Appliances. Sam and Lucille resided at their home on East North Avenue in Flora for over 50 years where they raised 4 children.  They were dedicated to their church work and faithful leaders.  Sam continued to serve faithfully in his ministry to the Community of Christ (RLDS) locally for several more years.  He was a founding member of the Flora VFW, a past member of the Flora Rotary Club, began the Chamber of Commerce, and served many years on the Police Commission Board.  Sam was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed planting a very large garden and several flower beds around their home. 

   He is survived by 3 sons: Sam P. Anderson and wife Ramona of North Padre, TX, Michael Anderson and wife Kayla of Flora, and Russell R. Anderson and wife Denise of McLeansboro; a daughter: Celia Anderson Dempsey and husband Dave Merrihew of Flora; 13 grandchildren: Hollie McClusky and husband Jeff, Robin Jackson and husband Kemp, Bronson Anderson and wife Jennifer, Clark Anderson and wife Heather, Michael Tyler Anderson and wife Donna, J.B. Anderson and wife Marisol, Samuel Tyler Mink and wife Lexi, Derek Lake and wife Kristine, Marshall Andrew Lake and wife Callie, Aaron Anderson and wife Jamie, Carmen Jones and husband Jeff, Jodi West, and Jenny Wieseman and husband Craig; 20 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Lucille Anderson; brother: Estelle Anderson; and sister: Evelyn Anderson.

   A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2019, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home with the presentation of military funeral honors.  Private interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery.  Memorial donations are suggested to Community of Christ Church in Flora or Clay County Hospice and will be accepted through the funeral home.