Lloyd Anderson Sr., 79, of Danforth, passed away Friday, April 19, 2019. Lloyd was born October 12, 1939 in Watseka, the son of Carl and Bernadine (Tascher) Anderson. He married the love of his life, Nancy (Wilhoyt) Morrissette on January 6, 1968 in Gilman and she survives.
Besides his wife, Nancy Anderson of Danforth, he is survived by four children, Lloyd Jr. “Andy” (Virginia) Anderson of Danforth, Ryan (Danielle) Anderson of Danforth, William “Bill” Morrissette of Danforth, and Kimberly (Ron) Miller of Kankakee; ten grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, Matthew, Michael, Parker, Bennett, Cooper, Lily, Marley, and Kase; and one sister, Sylvia Hanson of Gilman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Angela Bea Sharp; and his beloved son, Christopher.
After graduating Gilman High School in 1957 he joined the United States Army. When he returned home from the service he was employed by General Foods for several years, before returning home to take over the family farm. He also worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation for ten years. Lloyd’s passion was to promote soybean use around the world which led him to travel to China, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Turkey, and Alaska to teach about soybeans. He served on many boards and committees including, The President of the Illinois Soybean Association and The Chairman of the Illinois Soybean Operating Board. In the early 90’s Lloyd was appointed to the Illinois Agriculture Mining Council by Governor Jim Edger. In 1992 Lloyd was appointed to the National Agriculture and Extension Users Advisory Board by President George Bush.
He was a board member of the Danforth-Gilman Grain Elevator for many years. He was very involved with the Ford Iroquois Farm Bureau. He was a third generation Free Mason out of the Piper City Lodge serving as Worshipful Master several times. He was also 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was a member of the Oddfellow’s, a member of the Slow Boys Tractor Club and the Illinois Corn Growers Association. Lloyd was a lifelong Republican, he served many years as a precinct committeeman, then achieving his goal of becoming the Iroquois County Republican Chairman. He was a member of the Gilman United Methodist Church. With all Lloyd’s accomplishments in his life, he was most proud of the family he built.
Lloyd was a devoted father and coached many of the local sports teams. He enjoyed boating and spending winters in Florida. In his younger years he enjoyed being in a bowling league. But what he loved most was being on the farm and spending his time with his kids and many grandchildren. Even after a stroke and numerous injuries he never stopped working hard on the farm. He never met a stranger, always had a friendly smile on his face, and had a laugh that would light up the room.
Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Gilman United Methodist Church. Rev. Malcolm Jones will officiate. Private burial will be held at a later date at Danforth Cemetery with graveside military rites by Danforth, Gilman, and Onarga American Legions.
