Edward Anderson

Edward Anderson died on May 5, 2023, in Aurora, Ohio at the age of 96. Edward was born on December 17, 1926, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan (just outside of Detroit). From an early age, he loved to learn, and that love of learning served him well throughout his life.

He graduated from Mt. Clemens High School in 1945 but his mother had to pick up his diploma. He had enlisted in the army that spring and, after completing his basic training, was sent to serve in Japan. During his time in Japan, his exemplary service was recognized, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant E-4.

With the help of the G.I. Bill, Edward enrolled at Eastern Michigan University. On the first day of registration, he introduced himself to another freshman, Dorothy Deary, from Phoenix, Arizona. They became fast friends, and they were married a few years later. At the time of his death, they had been married 73 years.

Edward had always been interested in going to Africa. Not long after graduating college, he had an opportunity to teach in Nigeria, but he needed to have an advanced degree. He loved to learn so he went back to school, and he earned a master’s degree in English. Edward, his wife, Dorothy and their two children, then left Detroit for Nigeria in 1959. After his teaching position in Nigeria, he held subsequent educational administrative positions in Tanzania (1963-1967) and Zambia (1970-1973) and Liberia (1978-1982).

In the later part of his career, he became a foreign service officer with the United States Department of State. As a part of that career change, he had to learn another language, and he chose to learn Spanish. It was difficult to learn a language as an older adult, but he never gave up, and he did become fluent in the language. During the 1980s, he served in Honduras, Nicaragua, Guyana, Yemen, and Gabon.

Edward’s life was exemplified by a love of learning, a love for his country, and a love for his family. His family loved him, too, and they will deeply miss his sense of humor, his intellect, and his beautiful smile. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Anderson, and his two children, Warren E. Anderson of Aurora, Ohio and Cheryl B. Anderson of Evanston, Illinois and two grandchildren, Khari Edward Anderson of Chicago, Illinois and Alana Anderson Nelson of Rocky River, Ohio.

For more information: A video of Edward sharing his life story is available on YouTube, under the title, “The Life and Times of Edward Anderson - An American Success Story,” at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxaVLnSxLSk. In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorials be made to support Parkinson's Research at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193-1655 either by check (please include Parkinson's Research and Edward Anderson in the memo section of the check) or by calling 216-448-1105.