"Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others." 1 Peter 4:10

Oliver F. Anderson was born March 11, 1928 to Fred and Eva (Johnson) Anderson and died on September 7, 2017 at the age of 89 years. Oliver was born, educated, life-time church member, married, and employed all within a few blocks in Alcester, SD. If we could sum up his life in a few words it would be, "With love and concern, Oliver faithfully served his family, church, and community for 89 ½ years."

Oliver received his education in the Alcester School. He was a member of the band from the time he was a 5th grade student through his senior year at AHS. He could easily be recognized because he was that "little short guy" marching with the band. But he could also be recognized as that special little guy with the drums and a perfect "cadence beat"! Oliver never lost that beat! If you had the opportunity to visit with Oliver this past week or whenever, you can be sure, if in his hands there was a pen or anything that resembled a stick, at some time he would spontaneously be beating that familiar drummer's cadence! His fingers aptly "tapped" if all else failed. Not only was Oliver a drummer, but active in other school activities. He served as Student Body president his senior year. After graduation he attended Yankton College.

A certain girl in his class, Delores "Dee" Larson, was his best friend and high school sweetheart. They were married at the Alcester Baptist Church on October 9, 1948 and were just one month away from celebrating 69 years of a happy and blessed marriage.

Oliver was a life-time member of the Alcester Baptist Church. It was there he learned to love and serve his Lord all the days of his life. He holds a record breaking heritage with the church. His grandfather, A.P. Johnson, was a founder and charter member of the church dating back to 1902. For six generations, including Oliver, there has been a life-time active member of this family lineage faithfully serving this church in many capacities from 1902 to the current year 2017. Oliver was the Financial Secretary for 53 years, using his accounting expertise he is well known for.

After college, he worked a short time with the Elving Hardware store, three years at Lincoln Union Electric and 40 years with the State Bank of Alcester serving as Cashier, Loan Officer and Vice President. Following his retirement, he and Richard Johnson worked another 20 years at the bank assisting part time in the loan department. Oliver always earned the respect of his many customers and friends as a confident financial advisor and helper. Remember, back then banker's hours included Wednesday and Saturday evenings to serve the farmers, especially during the busy times of the year. You can be sure Oliver was always available! It was no surprise when he earned the "Outstanding Performance Employee of the Year" presented by the Alcester Commercial Club in 1985.

He was a behind the scene worker. It began when he helped his grandfather Johnson with chores, carrying in wood, coal and the eggs. But he was earning a little money besides. Each Christmas he received $7.00 for his labor. Oliver's hands continued in many community projects through the years including the swimming pool, apartment complexes, Morningside Manor, Dakota Industry or wherever needed. For years he assisted with the 4-H Fair, calculating, writing and mailing each member with the premium checks they earned. He served as a city council member and other community events too numerous to mention.

Oliver was a "fun guy"! During a conversation he often picked out one of your words and quickly "spin" it into a little quip. Always a laugh! He had a great sense of humor, but also quick with a word of thanks and appreciation! Things had to be pretty important before he missed that daily appointment with his favored buddies each afternoon at Arlene's.

Above all, happiest times were spent with his family- his grandkids and great-grandkids. He rarely missed school and other activities they were active in. Just a week or so ago, he and the family attended the SDSU football game in Brookings- a big favorite since the days his grandson, Brandon, played on the team. He missed very few of those college games.

Survivors include his wife, Dee Anderson; daughter, Lorna (Mike) Peterson of Alcester; two grandchildren, Brandon (Becky) Peterson and Kristen (Jason) Meyer; four great-grandchildren, Blake and Brady Peterson and Peyton and Jackson Meyer with one great-grandson on the way, sister-in-law, Marilyn Anderson of Drake, CO and nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Orrin and his in-laws, Orin and Florence Larson.

Funeral services will be 10:30AM Monday, September 11, 2017 at Alcester Baptist Church. Visitation with the family present will be 5-7PM Sunday at the church. The family requests memorials to the AHHS Band Program or Alcester Baptist Church.