Melvin LaRue Anderson
June 18, 1940 – January 23, 2026
Melvin LaRue Anderson
(June 18, 1940 – January 23, 2026)
It is with loving hearts that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Melvin LaRue Anderson, who completed his earthly journey and returned to his Heavenly Father on January 23, 2026, at the age of 85.
Melvin was born in Preston, Idaho, on June 18, 1940. He was the son of Swend and Ina Anderson and the fourth of five siblings. He grew up in the hills of Mink Creek, Idaho, where he learned the value of hard work and developed a love for tinkering with cars in the family’s blacksmith shop. Melvin also enjoyed athletics and competed in swimming and track and field, where he especially excelled in the high jump.
Melvin met the love of his life, Lorre Jean Burrup, at Preston High School. Lorre waited faithfully while Melvin served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern States Mission. On March 1, 1963, they were married and sealed in the Logan Utah Temple. Their eternal bond stands as a testament to their love, faith, and commitment to one another.
Melvin was a devoted provider for his family. His work took them to Richland, Washington; Emporia, Kansas; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Ogden, Utah; and Pasadena, California, where he worked on nuclear power plants and other engineering projects. Melvin faithfully served in many church callings. He especially enjoyed being a Scout leader and working on LDS Church welfare farms, where he learned to prune trees—a skill that blessed both his family and others throughout his life. He had a strong testimony of Heavenly Father’s gospel and taught its principles to his children and grandchildren. Melvin was a kind, quiet, and patient man who loved working in his yard.
For 20 years, Melvin lovingly served his wife without complaint as her health slowly declined. He cherished everything about her. He became her chauffeur and grocery shopper, faithfully working through Lorre’s lists—perhaps not always as quickly as she preferred, but always with love and good humor. Together, they made every task more enjoyable. He even learned to cook a few dishes, which was nothing short of a miracle. One of his favorite outings was their regular trip to McDonald’s for breakfast.
He is survived by his daughter Lisa [David] Riches of Depoe Bay, Oregon, his son Richard M. [Heidi] Anderson of Malad, Idaho, sixteen grandchildren, Jessica [Benjamin] Maughan, Joshua [Lisa] Riches, Victoria [Stanton] Lougy, James [Kayley] Riches, Nels [Kayla] Anderson, Ilan Anderson, Cameron Wright, Selma [Alex] Huynh, Connor Wright, Aly Wright, and three great-grandchildren, Grayson, Easton, and Marcus. He was preceded in death by his wife, father and mother.
The family expresses heartfelt thanks to all who have offered their love, support, and prayers during this time. We are also very grateful to the staff of physicians and nurses who so carefully assisted him.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, 2 February 2026 at the Horsley Funeral Home, 132 West 300 North in Malad, Idaho. A viewing will be held from 11:00-11:45 a.m. Interment will follow at the Malad Cemetery.
May he rest in peace, knowing that he endured the triumphs and trials of mortality well, and that his love will live on through his family and the many lives he has touched.