Ronald Dean Anderson

Ronald “Ron” Dean Anderson of St. Charles, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the age of 95, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted Christian, a dedicated family man, and an inspiration to all who knew him, Ron lived a life filled with faith, service, and love.

Born on June 5, 1930, to Edith Jelm and Albert Anderson in Ottawa, Illinois. Ron graduated from Morris High School and enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base near Cocoa Beach, Florida, where fate led him to meet his beloved wife, Yvonne Word, on a blind double date arranged by an Air Force friend. They have celebrated 71 years of marriage.

Ron possessed an extraordinary memory for dates and events and loved sharing stories—whether reminiscing about life on the farm, attending Cubs baseball games with his father, uncles, and brother Earl, or recounting adventurous flights during his Air Force days. He graduated from the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma before moving to St. Charles, Missouri, where he enjoyed a career as an aircraft mechanic and inspector with Eastern Airlines and TWA.

Ron was an avid Cardinals baseball fan. He found joy in cycling for exercise and in building and flying radio-controlled model airplanes. As a member of the St. Charles Saints RC Club, he earned numerous awards and passed his passion for model planes to his son and grandsons, teaching each of them how to build and fly planes.

For 68 years, Ron and Yvonne were devoted members of First Baptist Church of St. Charles, where he served as a deacon for many years, exemplifying his commitment to faith and service. He served the youth Christian organization as a Royal Ambassador leader. In retirement, he gave back to his community by delivering Meals on Wheels, developing lasting friendships with those he served.

Ron and Yvonne shared a love of travel, exploring destinations across the United States and beyond. A particularly meaningful journey was their visit to Norway, where they traced his family's roots and visited the town his grandparents once called home.

Ron is survived by his wife, Yvonne; his daughters Catherine (Glenn Ross) and Carolyn (Jerry Bailey); his son Gary (Laura); his grandsons Aaron, Evan, Jason, Carson, and Blake; his granddaughter Amy; and six great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by his nephew Jeff, niece Susan, and devoted family member Tammy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Edith, and his brother Earl.

Though Ron will be deeply missed, his example of faith, family, and kindness will live on in the countless lives he touched.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on June 20, 2025, at First Baptist Church of St. Charles, Missouri. Visitation will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to First Baptist Church of St. Charles in honor of Ron’s unwavering faith and dedication.