Jon W. Anders entered eternal life on October 4th of 2017. He was born on 5/14/46 the son of Norma (Peterson) and Elwood Anders in Corpus Christie, TX. He is survived by his brother Paul and his wife Ellen, their two daughters Kristin Danaher, her husband Brett, daughter Lilly and Kelly Bojar, her husband Mike, sons Austin and Hudson and daughters Addison and Holland. He also leaves behind Carol Marris his “Beloved Rock”, along with an Uncle John Peterson and an Aunt Jan and Mike Van Dam. He is also survived by several loving cousins. Jon was a long time resident of New Jersey before moving to Oak Harbor in 2014.
In service to our country, Jon served in the U.S. Army for two years and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Jon retired from Exxon Mobile and after 25 years followed his calling to become a Pastor in the United Methodist Church in New Jersey.
Jon had numerous and varied hobbies and interests including photography, rock and shell collecting, astronomy, chess, and spectator sports. Jon was most happy riding his Victory motorcycle taking in all the peace and beauty of God’s creation. In his younger years, he was an avid sport enthusiast and participant, deriving his most enjoyment playing racquetball with the State of NJ’s top tier players. Astronomy and star gazing was one of his favorite pastimes throughout his lifetime.
Jon also had a strong desire and love for learning and teaching. He touched so many lives through his sermons and through leading Bible studies over the years, bringing the Bible to life. God blessed Jon with a tremendous gift of being able to relate to people and teach. All who have known Jon over the years have been blessed by a gentle, kind man who blessed this Earth by his presence.
A celebration of Jon’s life will take place on Wednesday, October 11th at Family Bible Church in Oak Harbor at 12 pm. Memorials may be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Family Bible Church or Gideon’s International.