Rev. Richard "Dick" William Anderson

Rev. Richard William “Dick” Anderson of Palm City, Florida, entered the Church Triumphant on September 14, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.

Dick was born on December 11, 1944, to Jeston and Inez (Grove) Anderson at Highland Hospital in Belvidere, Illinois.  He graduated from Belvidere High School in 1962.  Throughout his life, Dick loved to share fond memories of his childhood and the people of Belvidere.  Mary Louise Hunt, the church youth choir director, introduced him to the joy of singing and remained one of the most influential people in his life.

Dick graduated from Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois in 1966.  He then pursued graduate studies at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.  He was the first person to attain simultaneous Masters’ Degrees from the Divinity School and the School of Music in 1970.

Dick’s innate enthusiasm led him to take full advantage of Yale’s opportunities.  He sang in the Yale Glee Club and appeared with the group on the Ed Sullivan Show and at Carnegie Hall.  He also sang in the Yale Russian Chorus and began a barbershop quartet of Divinity students called “The Four Prodigals.”  During a break in his studies in 1967, he appeared on the televised gameshow “Password”.

After Yale, Dick spent six years singing professionally and teaching in Europe.  He had a contract with the German classical music label Deutsche Grammophon.

In 1976, Richard answered God’s call to full-time ministry and was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA).  His first position was as a campus minister at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.  He then served as Senior Pastor at Presbyterian Churches in Belvidere, Illinois; Covina, California; Aurora, Illinois; and Palm City, Florida.  Richard used his musical talents to enrich the worship experience of his congregations.  His dynamic preaching and warm, supportive pastoral demeanor attracted new members and strengthened the faith of many.

An interest in President Lincoln’s faith life led Richard to become a Lincoln presenter.  He delivered inspiring performances throughout the country for almost forty years.  His prominence as a Lincoln expert and minister led to an invitation by the Speaker of the House to be Guest Chaplain at the US House of Representatives, February 12, 1997.

Another interest in Richard’s life was golf, he loved the game of golf and was fortunate to play weekly with PCPC parishioners, developing close relationships at church.  After retirement he was privileged to play at Monarch Country Club.  He played several days a week and was involved with many different golfers where he was affectionally called “Rev”.

Richard shared his love of life and the Lord with his wife Robin whom he married in 2001.  She was an integral part of his ministry and a faithful companion.  When they married, they enjoyed a beautiful, blended family.  He adored his three children from a previous marriage to Jan Tolsma Newport.  He was exceedingly proud of all his children.  He loved being Grandpa “Opa” to his grandchildren and considered them his greatest blessing.

Predeceased by his parents, Richard is survived by his wife, Robin C.(Busching) of Palm City, five children, Erica C. Golden (Anderson) of Buchanan, MI; Emily E. Anderson (Kyle Baltes) of Glen Ellyn, Il; Christian J.J. Anderson (Zarinah) of Los Angeles, CA; Matthew J. Dynes (Lee Le) of Keller, TX; and Andrew W. Dynes (Angela) of Barrington, IL, six grandchildren, Elin C. Baltes Brita E Baltes; Willow L Anderson-Baltes; Taylor N. Dynes; Amanda L Perkins; Klara R. Dynes, one brother, Steven C. Anderson (Kathleen) of Great Falls, VA, one sister, Sally A. Paillé (Kenneth) of Chapel Hill, NC, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements will be held in private.  In lieu of flowers Memorial gifts may be made to:

House of Hope: HOHMARTIN.org

2434 SE Bonita St. Stuart, FL 34997

Gertrude Walden Child Care Center: Gertudewalden.org

601 SE Lake St. Stuart, FL 34994