Jon Larmon Anderson

Jon Larmon Anderson, 98, beloved and cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024, at his home. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Joanne of 77 years, father Jack Anderson, mother Violet Lee, brother Richard, and sister Jacqueline, affectionately called "Datu".

 Jon was born on August 23, 1926, in Jacksonville, Florida, as the third child to parents Jack and Violet Anderson. He was born travelling west on a moving train car in the throes of the "Great Miami Hurricane" setting the stage for the rest of his life as adventurous and a "trailblazer". Jon grew up in the Bay Area of California. He remembered his school years with his classmates fondly. At 98 years old Jon could still name the members of his middle school football team, his teachers, and the school principal. Jon would share stories with family and friends of his many adventures with his schoolmates. His daughters are pretty sure he only shared a “few” of his adventures with them.

 In 1941, at just 15 years old, Jon's adventurous spirit struck him in full force. He and a buddy hitchhiked from California to Minnesota. He then continued his travels solo, stopping off in beautiful Cheyenne, Wyoming where he worked on the Eagle Rock Ranch for a couple of spring/summer seasons.

 Upon returning to California and with WWII in full throes, Jon, at 17, and his buddy set their sights on serving their country. The most formidable obstacle in the way of Jon’s choice to serve (aside from his asthma, which he “conveniently” forgot to mention!) was convincing his loving mother, Violet, to sign his enlistment papers. He formally enlisted in the Marine Corps on October 26, 1941. He performed many duties until being stationed to serve in the Pacific/Okinawa area from January 23, 1944, to December 15, 1945. His many duties at Okinawa included being a “Litter-Bearer” and a corpsman, helping bring the wounded off of the battlefield and treating their many injuries. Jon was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal/Sharpshooter on January 3, 1946.

 Shortly after returning home, he met Joanne Lincoln. He knew right away she was the love of his life. They married on January 19, 1947. They moved to Granby, Colorado so Jon could play an integral role in building the Granby Dam. The budding Anderson family returned to California just before their first daughter, Joniann, was born. Jon and Joanne, whom he affectionately called "Jody", were eventually blessed with four daughters: Joniann Ruth, Lysbeth Kay, Renée Violet, and Janée Leslie. Dad would often joke the only other male in his home was his dog! Needless to say, he spent many, many hours working in his garage, on his leatherwork, tending to the yard, and golfing. Jon was a member of the Mount Diablo, California Masons from September 23, 1954, until his death on September 23, 2024 (70 years to the day.) 

Jon began working as a golf caddie in high school. Soon after, at 21, he furthered his working career with Ma Bell/Pacific Bell. His first job was changing out residential party lines to private phone lines. Jon was smart, ambitious, and dedicated to learning all the new phone technology focusing on the engineering field. He taught the new phone technology to employees in San Francisco for a couple of years. Jon was known for his strong work ethic and always volunteering to work whenever and wherever his supervisors needed him. Jon was later promoted to Engineer where he managed a small staff.

 Jon and Joanne designed and built two homes in California and one in Idaho by hand. He built fences, poured cement, laid bricks, planted gardens, and built an amazing work bench among many other things. To know Jon Anderson was to know there was not anything he could not fix! His family and friends knew him to be a perfectionist and a naturally skilled engineer, which was evident in all his many endeavors and achievements both at work and home.

 In November 1970 Jon was granted a transfer to Mountain Bell in Twin Falls, Idaho. Jon, Joanne, Renée, and Janée made the move to Twin Falls, Idaho where they started a new life and made the Magic Valley their forever home. They met and made many wonderful and loving friends. 

Jon, Joanne, and Janée spent many years involved with the 4-H Horse program. They would bring their trailer and "live" onsite at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds volunteering to help the 4-H Club and the Fair Board in any way. 

Jon retired from Mountain Bell in 1982. Upon his retirement, the Anderson family traveled to many locations across the states. They also enjoyed many hunting, fishing, and camping adventures with family and wonderful friends. Jon’s daughters fondly recall helping him bottle homemade beer, practicing archery, and “panning for gold” with their dad. The “panning” took place in a wheelbarrow in their backyard; he would collect gold on his hunting trips specifically for this purpose!

 Throughout his life, Jon Anderson always prioritized his family and friends above all else. His kind, compassionate heart influenced all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

 Jon is survived by his four daughters; Joniann Anderson of Arizona; Lysbeth (Jim) Roberts of California; Renée (Steven) Johnson of Idaho; and Janée (Darrel) Howells of Alaska; his sister, Iana (David) Mason of New Mexico; 10 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Several of his grandchildren affectionately called him "Grampie".

 Our family is comforted knowing he is finally with our Mom. He will be forever loved and missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late Spring of 2025. Further details will be posted when available at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family in the guestbook section below.