Ira Junior Anderson, 90, of Richmond, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Oak Ridge Assisted Living in Richmond, surrounded by his loving family.

Ira was born on January 26, 1934, in Hardin, the son of Ira Noland and Opal Mae (Branson) Anderson.  He was first united in marriage to Barbara J. Wettengel of Richmond on July 24, 1954; she preceded him in death on January 27, 1986.  He was then united in marriage to Marilyn Dean Hawkins of Richmond in March of 1986; she preceded him in death on March 8, 2021.

Survivors include: son, Rev. Ira Junior (Vicky) Anderson, II, of Hardin; two daughters, Cathy (Pastor Lynn) Rogers and Nancy (Robert) Rowan, both of Knoxville; 10 grandchildren; Nathan (Jennifer) Anderson, Dustin Anderson (Mandy Grable), Roy (Elizabeth) Rogers, Rachel (Jesse) Rice, Ryan (Florinda) Rogers, Caleb (Mandee) Rogers, Emily (Tim) Hord, Daniel (Jamie) Rowan, Jeffery (Megan) Rowan, and Megan (Josh) Rives; 24 great-grandchildren: Ryan Anderson, Brendan (Marissa) Anderson, Kadence Anderson, Nicholas Anderson, Eli Anderson, Amelia Rogers, Ruby Rogers, Alexis (Logan) Watts, Wyatt Rice, Quinn Rice, Grayson Rice, Della Rice, Mecah Damingo, Bella Rogers, Grace Rogers, Allyson Rogers, Madalyn Rogers, Rebecca Rogers, Dominic Hord, Noah Rowan, Jack Rowan, Mars Rowan, Adilyn Rives, and Colin Rives; great-great-granddaughter on-the-way; and sister, Judy (Ron) Lowery of Wood Heights.

In addition to his parents and his wives, Ira was preceded in death by four brothers, Gerald Anderson, Bobby W. Anderson, Sr., Jackie Dean Anderson, and Kenneth Anderson, three sisters, Shirley Gentry, Barbara J. Swafford, and Helen Bandy, grandson, Ryan Anderson in infancy, and daughter, Cynthia Anderson in infancy.

Ira was raised and educated in the area of his birth. At the age of 17, he demonstrated his unwavering patriotism by lying about his age to join the U.S. Army. He proudly served two tours in the Korean War, earning distinction as a decorated veteran. His honors included the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantry Badge.

Following his service to his country, Ira returned to his hometown and began a long and accomplished career in construction. He was a proud member of the Local Carpenter's Union #983 in Richmond and later the Local Carpenter's Union #1127 in Kansas City. Over the years, he worked locally, owned and operated his own construction company, and even took on driving freight trucks in Kansas City. One of his proudest achievements came in 2002 when he received an honorary degree from Hardin-Central High School, recognizing his dedication, military service, and contributions to the community.

An avid outdoorsman, Ira found great joy in nature. He loved hunting deer, rabbits, squirrels, and frogs, as well as gardening, fishing, working in his yard, and spending time at the lake. His Yorkie canine companions were a source of companionship and happiness in his later years.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the PTSD Foundation of America.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the funeral home.  Interment will be in Richmond Memory Gardens, with full military honors provided by the United States Army and Ray County Veterans.  Please remember to share your memories of Ira with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.