Dave was described as a good man, a wonderful neighbor, someone who changed lives, a person who made a difference in law enforcement in Brown County, and probably most often described as handsome….if you met Dave Anderson, your life was truly better! Dave had a charismatic way about him that drew people to him. He made time for everyone that wanted to talk with him and be around him, and he let you know you were important to him. Dave was an amazing father, papaw, brother, son, mentor, and friend. Our hearts are broken.
David Earle Anderson passed away Friday, Nov. 4, 2022 at his home.
Dave was born Dec. 15, 1941 in Martinsville, Indiana.
Dave is survived by his son, Chris (Kelly) Anderson of Columbus; his four granddaughters whom he adored, Sydney (Robbie) Alden, Holly, Annie, and Gwennie Anderson all of Columbus, great-grandsons, Henry and Anderson Alden (arriving in March); His sister, Joanne (Bill) Glidden. He is also survived by his former wife, Linda Flanary of Morgantown; Daughter, Kim Shope; his grandchildren, Valerie (Wayne) Auten, Joey Mascio, Hobie, and Kara Crittenden, and great-grandsons Ashton and Shelby Sychtysz of Scottsdale, AZ. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
Dave was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Anderson and by his mother and step-father Muriel and Preston Grounds; his big brother, Jim Anderson and his little brother, Jack Anderson.
Dave graduated from Martinsville High School in 1960 where he was a star quarterback.
He proudly joined the United States Marines and served our country for four years. He then began his 24 year career with the Indiana State Police where he was a Trooper, and then was promoted to the Narcotics Unit as an undercover Officer before transferring to the White Collar Crime Unit. He ended his career with the Indiana State Police as a Detective. He also served on the Indiana State Police Dive Team for 20 years. Dave spent 8 years as the Brown County Sheriff. He was a respected law officer and was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash and the Kentucky Colonel for his extraordinary commitment to his profession. After his retirement, he opened Anderson Insurance, Inc. and Anderson Investigations. In 2013, Dave began serving his community again as a Brown County Commissioner.
Dave was a member of the Brown County Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rites of Indianapolis, Brown County Lions Club, Brown County Community Theater, and People Against Substance Abuse.
Dave loved talking, joking, and laughing with his friends especially over breakfast at Brownie’s or coffee in town or lunch at That Sandwich Place. Dave was an avid IU basketball fan. He loved watching games with Chris and yelling at the T.V. He always had a full supply of Purdue jokes! Dave was also an amazing cook! His granddaughters will miss his annual dried beef gravy, Christmas breakfasts, and pots of beef stew.
He cherished the fact that he was from Martinsville. He was so proud. Dave lost his father when he was 6 years old. He always talked about how lucky he was to have his wonderful mother, his older sister, and two brothers to rely on growing up. His careers in the United States Marines and the Indiana State Police defined who he was. These experiences changed his stars and helped him become the great man he was.
Visitation will be at Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home in Nashville, Indiana on Thursday, Nov. 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11 at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Hilldale Cemetery in Martinsville, Indiana. Please be aware there are road closures between Nashville and Morgantown and detours will be necessary.
Online condolences may be given at www.BondMitchellFuneralHome.
