David Anderson Obituary, Death – Everyone who met Dave Anderson felt better about themselves because he was such a positive influence in their lives. He was described as a good man, a wonderful neighbor, someone who changed lives, someone who made a difference in law enforcement in Brown County, and, most commonly, someone who was handsome. People were naturally drawn to Dave because of his magnetic personality. You could tell you were important to him because he made time for anyone who wanted to hang out with him. Dave was wonderful in every way imaginable: as a parent, grandparent, brother, son, mentor, and friend. The loss has devastated us. On Friday, November 4, 2022, David Earle Anderson passed away in his home.
Dave’s date of birth is 12/15/1941, and he was born in Martinsville, IN. Dave is survived by his son, Columbus resident Chris (Kelly) Anderson, four cherished granddaughters, Sydney (Robbie) Alden, Holly (also of Columbus), Annie (also of Columbus), and Gwennie (due in March), and a brother, Joanne (Bill) Glidden. In addition to his daughter Kim Shope and his grandchildren Valerie (Wayne) Auten, Joey Mascio, Hobie, and Kara Crittenden, as well as his great-grandchildren Ashton and Shelby Sychtysz of Scottsdale, Arizona, he is survived by his ex-wife Linda Flanary of Morgantown. Numerous nieces, nephews, and acquaintances also survive him. Dave’s parents, Ralph and Muriel Anderson, as well as his stepfather, Preston Grounds, and two brothers, Jim and Jack, all passed away before him. Dave was a standout quarterback at Martinsville High School, from which he graduated in 1960.
He enlisted with great honor and spent four years serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. After spending 24 years as a Trooper with the Indiana State Police, he became an undercover Officer in the Narcotics Unit and eventually moved to the White Collar Crime Unit. In the end, he retired from the Indiana State Police as a Detective. Along with his military service, he spent 20 years diving for the Indiana State Police. Dave served as sheriff of Brown County for eight years. He distinguished himself as a dedicated law enforcement official, earning the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash and the title of Kentucky Colonel. After hanging up his boots, he started Anderson Insurance, Inc., and Anderson Investigations. Dave’s return to public service as a Brown County Commissioner began in 2013. Dave was active in the Masonic community and other groups in Brown County, including the Scottish Rites of Indianapolis, the Brown County Lions Club, the Brown County Community Theater, and People Against Substance Abuse.
Dave’s favorite time to spend with friends was over breakfast at Brownie’s, coffee in town, or lunch at That Sandwich Place, where they could speak, joke, and laugh together. Dave loved to watch Indiana University play basketball. He and Chris were inseparable during game time, and he enjoyed every minute of it. He never ran out of jokes about Purdue. And Dave was quite the chef, too! The dried beef gravy, Christmas breakfasts, and pots of beef stew he made for his granddaughters every year will be much missed. He was quite proud to call Martinsville his hometown. He felt like the proudest man in the world. Dave, when just six years old, lost his father. When asked about his upbringing, he always remarked on how fortunate he was to have his mother, older sister, and two brothers. It was his time in the Marines and then with the Indiana State Police that made him who he was. These events shifted his karma and shaped him into a great man.
On Thursday, from 4 to 8 PM, friends and family are invited to pay their respects at the Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home in Nashville, Indiana. Friday at 1:30 p.m., at the funeral home, will be the funeral services. Hilldale Cemetery in Martinsville, Indiana will be the location of the interment. Detours will be required due to road closures between Nashville and Morgantown.