David Gleason Anderson, 88, of Wooster, Ohio, left his beloved Anderson Farm for the last time on December 2, 2023.
David was a dedicated family man and is survived by his loving wife, Donna Mae Ginther Anderson whom he married 65 years ago on December 14, 1957. He was born on July 9, 1935, in Wooster to the late James and Frances Sue Liggett Anderson. He is also survived by his sister Margaret “Adaw” Boyer, brother John Anderson, children Mona Crystal Buehler (Scott), Penny Susannah Reed, Todd David Anderson (Cheryl), seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. David was preceded in death by his parents, sister Pat Baker, brother James Anderson, foster sister Margaret “Pocky” Topovski, and son-law David Reed.
As an avid family historian, David recorded the stories of these family members and many more around the country. He kept meticulous records, printing photographs, and chronicling trips to visit family and their milestones. As he recalled stories of his childhood or family, David typed his memories for future generations to learn, remember, and enjoy. His love of family and history is reflected in the generations of heirlooms and photographs that fill the family home.
David’s other passion was farming, which started from an early age. His recorded stories mention attending Wayne Elementary in Madisonburg and Wooster Township School, but more often he talked about having to wake up early to milk the cows and tend to the farm before walking to the bus stop. Throughout school, David was an active member of 4-H and FFA. He attended three years at Wooster High School before the family moved to Beaumont, Texas for a year. Although David officially graduated high school in Beaumont, his friends at Wooster High, Class of 1953, awarded him with an Honorary Diploma.
With agriculture always present in his life, it is not surprising that David furthered his education at The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Agriculture Economics. His expertise in agriculture was often recognized, through his work at the Experiment Station (OARDC) and his pioneering work as a no-till farmer.
Throughout his life, David had a diverse career. He worked at United Steel Fabricators, was a driving instructor for the Columbus AAA, served as an investigator for Retail Credit/Equifax, and he worked at Crown Steel. During these years, David continued his life long love of farming on the family farm.
In his free time, David enjoyed various hobbies including collecting antique cars and attending gatherings with the Model A and Studebaker clubs. He was also an active member of the National Farmers Organization (NFO) and Friends of Ohio Barns. Every month, he’d join his friends for the Dairymen’s Breakfast.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Oak Chapel United Methodist Church with a service to follow.
David was a survivor of kidney disease driving to and from Fresenius Kidney Care Center three times a week for six years. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Ohio. As David and Donna were married at Oak Chapel United Methodist Church and as longtime members, donations can also be made to the Church.
David Gleason Anderson will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to those that loved him.
Arrangements are under the direction of the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., in Wooster.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Donna, your classmates extend deepest sympathy to you and your family. Dave was a true gentleman and it was certainly an honor and privilege for all of us to know him. We also considered him an honorary member of the Northwestern Class of 1956. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear of your loss of Dave. I know first hand what you are going through. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Oh, Dave! How we members of the class of 1953 are going to miss you. You and Donna were a constant attender at the class of “53” lunches and other events. It was great to see you and Donna featured on the front of the Wayne Bargain Hunter several weeks ago. May you now RIP with those almost daily appointments behind you.
An unbelievable wonderful man, with a heart of gold. A loss to everyone who knew him. Donna, my heart goes out to you. A man had such energy for everything he did. I Will miss him . Loved his delightful dress he had at any event. And his commitment to the Democratic Party!
Donna, my thoughts and prayers are with you Carol Fields 🙏❤️
My husband Rudy and I met Dave and Donna through Friends of Ohio Barns. Got to know them better when he said “yes” to our group touring two of their historic barns during our annual conference in Wayne County. He and Donna volunteered to help with the Wayne County Historic Barn survey. I don’t know how they found the time to do so many things with so many people but not only did they complete their own township, they helped to wrap up three more as they gathered in more friends to help. Dave was consistently one of the best humans we’ve met. His love for Donna, his family, his farm land and his life was clear to all of us lucky enough to know him. We will miss him.
Donna, Mona, Penny & Todd,
You were so fortunate to have such a special man as your husband and father. He was such an interesting, intelligent and inspiring man and although my time spent with him was basically only once or twice a year I came to know him and realize what a special person he was – one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever known.
My sincere condolences on your loss but as so well stated in Dave’s obituary, may his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration for all who loved and knew him.
Donna, I am so sorry to learn of David’s passing. As Linda Houston noted, he was usually the best dressed attendee at the Democratic Party’s events he always attended. He will be sorely missed. May your memories be of comfort in this time of loss.
Donna, Todd, Mona, and Penny, on behalf of my mom, Elsie, and myself I want to let you know that I am so sorry for your loss. Dave farmed my mom’s farm for many years and put his whole heart into it, treating the land like it was his own. His dedication to conservation, no-till farming, soil health, raising high-quality crops, and intense dislike of groundhogs was second to none. I know you will miss him greatly, but take time to remember the good times and memories.
Donna and Family,
My deepest and sincerest condolences to all of you. I will always remember the RV trips you all would take down here to our part of Texas. Cousin John never hesitated to share great and fun stories with my parents and me not to mention the updated family tree information. He loved doing that! and it fascinated me as I loved learning new things about the family. I pray that you all find comfort and peace in the days to come knowing he was loved by many.
Melissa Anderson-Barrios (daughter of Gordon Anderson Sr.)
I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to Donna and the family. Early in my career I learned to know Dave and Donna as they were starting their family on the farm. They both are special people that I considered good friends. Dave was one of a kind, may he RIP. Fond memories of our relationship thru the years.
Donna, I am so saddened by this news. Please know that my husband Ken and I will hold you in our prayers. I loved David. You and he were such a great example of a happy marriage. We so enjoyed the times you visited us. Debbie and I talked very recently about the time our family visited you all at the farm and house. We had such fun! I will miss him very much.
Our deep condolences to you and your family Donna. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Donna, sorry for the lose of Dave. We will have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Our family enjoyed our time on the farm and were blessed to know you both. Best place to have raised our boys.
I always enjoyed the way Dave carried himself. A gentleman, a critical thinker and always engaging with his quick smile. Of course, my exposure to him was while attending Oak Chapel. Deepest sympathies to the family and his many friends. I can only think the Lord needed him more. RIP!