O.T. "Andy" Anderson

A Funeral Service for O.T. “Andy” Anderson has been scheduled for 2:00 PM, Monday, June 27, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Reverend Larry Varvel will officiate. Burial will follow at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Hayhurst Funeral Home. Andy was born on Thursday, May 3, 1923 in Lavaca, Arkansas, the son of Jesse and Marvie (Turner) Anderson. He was raised on a farm on Mulberry Mountain in Ozark, Arkansas. He passed away on Friday, June 24, 2016 at his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He was 93 years of age. Andy was a 1940 graduate of Fort Smith High School in Arkansas. He married the former Miss Doris Imogene Schleiff on January 23, 1942. He studied electronics at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas where he earned his FCC Radio Operator License. He worked at KFPW Radio Station in Fort Smith. He and Doris were both licensed ham operators. He heard American Airlines was hiring and learned the hiring manager wanted a ham radio operator and he got the job. He moved Doris and his three children to Tulsa to work at American in early 1949. He started in the radio shop where he was called Radio Andy and went from there to the Avionics Department as Crew Chief. Andy retired from American in 1984 after 35 years there. Andy and Doris literally traveled the world over in cars, airplanes, a fifth wheel, and by bicycles. They were very active members of the First United Methodist Church in Broken Arrow, having attended since late 1948. They served on the Centennial Committee and Andy served in several positions with the church, including the “unofficial” official photographer. Andy was an accomplished photographer. Many of his human interest and event photos were published in the Broken Arrow Ledger and the school annuals beginning in the early Fifties. His photographs can also be found in the “Broken Arrow – The First Hundred Years” and in Don Wise’s book, “Broken Arrow, City of Roses and Sparkling Pure Water.” As a member of the Broken Arrow Amateur Radio Club, Andy worked in Civil Defense during floods, tornadoes, civic events, and emergencies. He was given the contract to install the first radios in local police cars. He and Doris worked in Lay Witness Missions for 32 years at home and in places such as Mexico, Central America, Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Wales, and England. There were also Tulsa Zoo docents and have presented many programs for Broken Arrow school children. Memorials may be made to The Gideons International, PO Box 162, Broken Arrow, OK 74013 or to First United Methodist Church, 112 E. College St., Broken Arrow, OK 74012. Andy is survived by, Daughter, Sharon Willhite and husband David Son, Donnie Ray Anderson and wife Neoka Lou Son-in-Law, James Cousens Grandchildren, Tracey and Ron Hutchinson, Darin and Danelle Cousens, Kimberly and Bill Cousens, James B. and Leslie Cousens, Eric Cousens, John and Nantha Cousens, Kerrie and Steve Bryan, Lori and J.D. McBrayer, Cheryl and Greg Stoner, Cindy and Chad Watchorn, Cathy and James Howard 29 Great Grandchildren 18 Great-Great Grandchildren He was preceded in death by his wife Doris and daughter, Shirley Anderson Cousens.

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O.T. "Andy" Anderson

May 3, 1923 - June 24, 2016