Raymond Pete Anderson, 90, a longtime Paxton resident, passed away Aug. 6, 2012, at the Lakeside Hospital in Omaha.
He was born on Nov. 25, 1921, to Bundy and Laurine Anderson in their farm home south of Paxton. Following graduation from Paxton High School in 1939, he assisted his mother with her farm and cattle operation.
On Aug. 12, 1943, Raymond married June Leonhardt, of Sutherland, and they settled on a farm south of Paxton. In August 1950, they moved into Paxton and resided there until he suffered a massive stroke in 2001. They moved to Elkhorn in October 2003, to be closer to their daughter Lana, her husband and grandchildren.
Raymond started to work for NPPD in September 1947 and was a valued employee with them for 50 years, retiring in April 1997. He was a lifetime member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed as a child. He served on the church council, was a member of the Paxton Fire Department and also served two terms as mayor of Paxton. In addition, Raymond was a 32nd Degree Mason.
Through the years, Raymond enjoyed having a few cattle south of Paxton, attending cattle sales and gardening. Following his stroke in 2001, mobility and communication were very difficult for him. However he lived at home with assistance from his wife, June. He continued to enjoy following the stock and commodity markets, his family and friends.
Raymond is survived by his wife, June, of Elkhorn; his daughter, Lana (Gaylord) Flaming, of Elkhorn; three grandchildren, RoGene (Chris) Bays, of Owasso, Okla., Becky (Mike) LaFave, of Elkhorn, G. Scott (Heidi) Flaming, of Omaha; seven great-grandchildren, Kylee and Garett Bays, Zach and Isabelle LaFave, and Haven, Francesca and Alana Flaming; two sisters-in-law, Barbara and Ginny Anderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; and two sisters.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and online condolences may be made at adamsswanson.com.
Services will be at 11 a.m. (MDT), on Friday, Aug. 10, at the Paxton Cemetery with the Rev. Judy Gifford officiating.
Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m., today, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. There will also be visitation from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (MDT), on Friday, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Paxton prior to the graveside service.
Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.