William “Bill” Evans Anderson

Downey…William (Bill) Evans Anderson, long time resident of Downey, Idaho, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at the age of 93. Bill was born November 12, 1923, in Malad, Idaho, to John William and Maude Ann Evans Anderson, the third of nine children, including five brothers and three sisters. He grew up in Malad and graduated from Malad High School where he was a cheerleader, played trumpet in the band, and was an exceptional boxer.

After high school he worked a short time for Union Pacific Railroad before enlisting in the United States Army. While in the Army he served in a transportation unit based in India. He shared many stories about the tigers, elephants, and monkeys who roamed the area surrounding the base. Upon returning from the service he resumed working as a telegraph operator for Union Pacific Railroad in Cache Junction, Utah.

While attending a dance at Downata Hot Springs, Bill met Glenys Ilean Barnes. They were married on October 8, 1947, and made their home in Downey where he became the station agent for Union Pacific and they raised their son and daughter. After more than 30 years with the railroad he retired and went to work for the United States Postal Service until he retired again in 1985. Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan Temple on April 12, 1973, and Bill and Glenys spent over 66 years together before she passed away in 2014.

Bill loved kids and horses and spent many years as the leader of the 4-H horse club in Downey. He also spent several summers team roping, winning trophies and jackpots. He frequently joined in the fall cattle roundup on the “Big Onion”. Teaching his grandchildren to ride was a special joy, and he patiently spent hours leading them around town on “Peaches”.

Bill is survived by his son and daughter, Sherman (Adele) Anderson, Inkom, Idaho, and Shauna Stanworth, Sandy, Utah; five grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and eternal companion, Glenys; his parents, and all of his brothers and sisters. Thank you to the staff at Whispering Pines for the care you gave to Dad.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at the Downey LDS Church with Bishop Brett Downs officiating. Family and friends may call Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 PM at the Downey church and Wednesday morning from 10:30 to 11:45 AM. Burial will be in the Downey cemetery with military rites conducted by the Downey American Legion.

We will love you and miss you every day, Dad.