Phil E. Anderson of Hermiston died on Oct. 7, 2018 in Kennewick, Wash. at the age of 65.
He was born on March 6, 1953 in Denver, Colo. to Emile P. and Betty J. Reynolds Anderson.
Phil was raised and attended school in Denver, Colo. He enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge. Phil graduated from the Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colo. with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and followed with graduate work at the University of Colorado. He worked as an engineer for Hughes Aircraft, Boeing and Freightliner. Phil was united in marriage to Cassandra “Cassie” Wood on July 21, 2001 in McMinnville. He earned his Master of Teaching from George Fox University in 2003. They moved to Hermiston where Phil taught chemistry and math at Sandstone Middle School, as well as coaching football for two years and being involved in the Traveling Science Fair.
In his early 20s, Phil made a life-changing decision that trusting Jesus would be the path he would follow, and this continued the rest of his life. He was a member of the Stanfield Baptist Church, where he was active with AWANA and visiting residents at Regency in Hermiston. Phil enjoyed mountain climbing, skiing and running in his younger years. He later enjoyed model railroads, making electronic stereo components, woodworking – making shaker style furniture – and restoring a 1950s tractor.
He is survived by his wife, Cassie Anderson, Hermiston; brother, Dave (Stacey) Anderson, Denver, Colo.; sister, Trudy Miller, Washington; cousins, Becky Crane Okada and Jim Crane; several nieces and nephews; and his CHETS (cats), Annie and Daisy and dog, Buddy.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Art Anderson.
A funeral service with military honors will be held on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Stanfield Baptist Church, 310 E. Wheeler Ave.
Burial will be at the Echo Cemetery.
Those who wish may make contributions in Phil’s memory to Multiple Sclerosis Association of America at 375 Kings Highway N., Cherry Hill, N.J., 08034 or to the Stanfield Baptist Church.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
