Harold Joe Anderson of Chehalis passed away peacefully at his home with his family nearby on Sunday, June 24, 2018, at the age of 96. At the time of his passing, the Lord lit up the sky with flashes of lightning and the sounds of thunder. Oh, what a glorious sight to behold as the Lord welcomed Joe into heaven!
Joe was born at home on Deep Creek in Chehalis, Wash., to the late A.T. and Minnie Anderson March 9, 1922. He was the third of five children. Joe attended Adna schools until his senior year and graduated from Chehalis High School in 1941. He married the love of his life, Rometta DeBow, July 16, 1941. They would have been married 77 years on July 16, 2018. The Lord blessed them with two sons and a daughter. He was a beloved husband and father who was devoted to his family. Joe’s smile would light up a room and he will always be remembered for the kind words he always had to say. Joe will forever hold a special place in our hearts and he will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, A.T. and Minnie Anderson; sons, Gary and Mike; siblings, Jack (Gloria) Anderson, Jane (Harold) Hartvigsen, Hap (Sally) Anderson and Errol (Goldie) Anderson; and his son-in-law, Paul Bayne.
He is survived by his wife, Rometta; his daughter, Gail (Anderson) Bayne; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. His extended family reaches across many states such as Alaska, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Virginia and Washington.
Joe had a love of the woods that continued throughout his lifetime. He was a logger all his life and worked many different jobs such as a high climber, faller, bucker, high topper, equipment operator, mechanic and built roads. He had an endless number of stories that revolved around how logging was done in the old days. Joe worked for A.T. Anderson Logging with his father, A.T., J & J Logging with his brother, Jack, and several other logging companies that included Olson Brothers, Agnew and Weyerhaeuser. He started his own business, Anderson Logging, where he worked until he retired. His work took him to several locations within Lewis, Cowlitz and Pacific counties. He was very proud of an award given to him by the Lewis County Farm Forestry Association in 2000 for reforestation.
Joe and Rometta moved to their home in 1945, where they raised their family. Joe could be found many days feeding his birds and puttering with his tractor around the property. Anyone driving by the house would honk their horn and were always greeted with a big smile and a wave from Joe. Over the years, countless stories have been told around the kitchen table. They would often be accompanied with a delicious dessert and hot coffee.
He enjoyed spending time outside and his hobbies included hunting, fishing, clamming, woodworking, rock hounding and polishing, feeding birds, gardening (especially his lemon cucumbers) and camping with the Tri-Mountain Wanderers Good Sam Club. He was still adventurous at 81. He went to Alaska with his brother, Errol, and came back with a trophy moose. Joe was a member of the National Rifle Association, a charter member of the Veterans Memorial Museum and a member of the Small Contract Loggers Association.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to all of the hospice staff with Assured Home Health. They were such a blessing and provided such loving care. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the A.T and Minnie Anderson Memorial Adna Scholarship Fund, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Veterans Memorial Museum, St. Jude’s Hospital, Chehalis First Christian Church or to the charity of your choice in Joe’s name.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2018, from 1 p.m., to 5 p.m., at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold Street, Centralia. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, August 3, 2018, from 12 p.m., to 4 p.m., at Adna High School, 121 Adna School Road, Adna. Pastor John Johnstone will officiate. Please join us after to share stories and memories of Joe. A light meal of sandwiches and pie will be served.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries.
