Guy Younger Anderson

Guy Younger Anderson (89) passed from this life to life everlasting on Tuesday August 22, 2023, at his home. Guy was born on October 7, 1933, in Friday, Texas and was the youngest son of Earl B. Anderson and Althea Hayes Anderson. On August 30, 1952, Guy married Marilyn Lucille Wilson. They were blessed with six children and were members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen.

Guy is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, his son Michael Anderson, daughter in law Debbie Anderson and grandson James Anderson. He is also preceded in death by his six siblings Woodrow Anderson, Earl B. (Rusty) Anderson, Jr., Marie Dudley, Ina Mae Jones, Doris Waters, and Shirley Bray.

He is survived by his children, Sherry (Sam) Reitz, Arthur (Kristi) Anderson, Joel (Beth) Anderson, Quentin (Eileen) Anderson and Rodney (Cynthia) Anderson and numerous beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Guy enlisted in the Marine Corp in 1953 and served in Korea. Leaving the military in 1955 with the rank of Corporal, Guy returned to Harlingen and became a patrolman in the Harlingen Police Department. He rose through the ranks and in 1970, at the age of 36, Guy was appointed Chief of Police, a position he held for 23 years until his retirement in 1993. During his tenure as chief, Guy led several initiatives to improve public safety in Harlingen, including the establishment of the Citizen Police Academy, several drug and crime prevention programs, and “one of the most comprehensive policemen’s training programs in South Texas.” Guy was also an original member of the Board of Managers of the Cameron County Emergency Communication District and was instrumental in bringing 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone Service in and for Cameron County, Texas. Guy enjoyed hunting, fishing, and Astros baseball.

Guy was well respected in the community and February 1993 was declared “Guy Anderson Month” by the mayor “to commend and acknowledge Chief Anderson’s exemplary devotion and leadership throughout his years of service to the Citizens of the City of Harlingen; and express sincere appreciation and respect to the man who will always be remembered as ‘Our Chief’”.

There will be a visitation with family members present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A celebration of Guy’s life will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen at 11:00 am on Saturday September 9, 2023, with Rev. Nathan Wendorf officiating.  Burial with full police and military honors will be at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria, Texas following the service.

The family would like to thank the pastors, staff, and members of St. Paul Lutheran Church for the outpouring of love and support they have provided throughout Guy’s life. We would also like to thank the numerous caregivers and hospice providers for the friendship and kindness shown to Guy and his family.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 602 Morgan Blvd. Harlingen, Texas 78550.

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