John Henry "Sonny" Anderson's Obituary
John “Sonny” Henry Anderson, 85, passed away at home surrounded by his family on July 24, 2018 in Shawnee, Kansas. Sonny was born March 13, 1933 in Humboldt, Kansas to Thomas Warren Anderson and Bessie Mae Taylor. Sonny attended Humboldt High School where he was proudly recognized as the first black football player on the school team. Sonny attended Popular Grove Baptist Church in Humboldt, KS where he was very involved. He served as the president of their youth organization, treasurer for the Baptist Young People Union and was a lead singer in the Men’s Choir. Sonny enjoyed serving his community and was a member of the City of Humboldt’s Zoning Commission. Sonny was a member of City Center Church in Lenexa, KS.
Sonny dedicated 3 years of his life to serve his country in the Marine Corps. He is a Korean War Veteran, where he served as an air mechanic. Sonny was a very dedicated man that worked hard in everything he did. He worked as a mechanic for Monarch Cement Company in Humboldt and retired after 30 years. He spent 15 years working at Johnson County Wastewater and then retired a second time. Sonny spent very little time retired before he began to work at WalMart to keep himself busy. Sonny was recently recognized at WalMart for his 15 years of dedication and hard work. Sonny enjoyed camping, traveling, cooking and spending time with his family.
Sonny is survived by Carmen “Cookie” of the home and his children: Jondra Fox of Chanute, KS; Mai and husband Saul Davis of Belleville, MI; Wayne Anderson of Chanute and Joi and husband Craig Harris of Chanute. Sonny was also a great influence on raising Clarence “Jun” Williams Jr. and Anthony “Tony” Williams. He is also survived by his sisters, Dona Peterson and Bettye Anderson ; 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Sonny was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Warren Anderson; mother, Bessie Mae Taylor; brothers, James Anderson, Larry Anderson, Thomas Anderson Jr.; sisters, Jeannette Walsh and Marilyn Anderson and nephew Bryan Anderson.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 3, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home – Johnson Chapel at 101 N. Highland in Chanute, KS. A Celebration of Life service will be on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church - Good News Center in Chanute, KS. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Humboldt, KS and the Chanute Honor Guard will be in charge of military honors. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials suggested to Chanute Veterans Memorial or the American Cancer Society and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.
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