Lydia Anderson

Ron Anderson

Ronald Joe “Ron” Anderson
May 15, 1943 – February 18, 2026

Ronald Joe Anderson, known to most simply as “Ron,” was born on May 15, 1943, in Littlefield, Texas, and passed away on February 18, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona. He leaves behind a family and a faith community who adored him, and countless stories that will be retold for generations with a lot of fondness and laughter.

Ron graduated from Lovington High School in 1961, where he was voted “Class Clown,” a title he carried proudly for the rest of his life. He had a quick wit, impeccable timing, and a gift for making people feel at ease. He earned a degree in History from University of New Mexico, a Journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and later a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary. It was a fitting combination for a man who believed deeply in both words and faith. Ron began his career as a journalist with the Atlanta Journal, covering sports and once even interviewing football legend Archie Manning — a story he never minded telling. He was a truth seeker and went on a long journey to find “the Church” that was spoken of in the New Testament. In the mid 1970s the Lord led him to San Diego, CA — originally to connect with a Baptist church leader — but the Lord had other plans! Instead, he sovereignly met some Christians in a hotel restaurant who could answer all of his lingering questions from seminary. That lunch led to his first meeting with the Local Church, where he found what he had been seeking all along and was finally “home.” Even though he never pastored a church, he had the honor of marrying numerous couples and devotedly served the church.

Ron was also, quite famously, his own GPS. Long before smartphones, he could navigate highways and back roads with uncanny confidence. Spontaneous road trips were one of his great joys — hopping in the car with little more than a destination in mind and a full tank of gas.

He was a proud father and grandfather. Ron’s sons, Cory and Chris, were born during his first marriage to Avis. Years later, he met Kathy in San Diego — a meeting that began a partnership and marriage that would span 41 years. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and resilience.

He often said the Lord had promised him four boys but he received a bonus: a daughter. Ron was deeply proud of his five children Cory, Chris, Joseph, Lydia, and Ben. He expressed his love best in tangible and practical ways: through generosity, gifts, and stepping in when it mattered most. He welcomed Stephen, Danielle, and Joanne into the family with warmth and humor. He is also survived by his younger sister, Markay (who he always made a point to call if Texas beat OU in the Red River Rivalry) and his nephews, David and Bryan. His grandchildren Bryce and Landry, and grandfurchildren, Gertie and Roux, also held a special place in his heart.

He loved history, documentaries, underdog sports movie, ice cold Dr. Pepper, and a Payday candy bar. But most of all, he loved the Lord and his family.

Ron’s life was marked by laughter, faith, and connection. While his absence leaves an ache that words cannot fill, his faith, humor and loving kindness will echo in the lives of those who knew him.

The family welcomes handwritten notes and shared memories at 1625 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282. Every story told is another reminder of a life well lived.

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