Cover photo for Howard E. Anderson's Obituary
Howard E. Anderson Profile Photo
1923 Howard 2025

Howard E. Anderson

October 15, 1923 — May 18, 2025

Topeka

Howard E. Anderson, age 101, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Homestead of Topeka.

He was born the son of Andrew J. and Anna E. (Clerico) Anderson on October 15, 1923. Howard attended Assumption Grade School and graduated from Capitol Catholic High School in 1942. After high school, Howard joined the United States Army and served in the South Pacific with the 96th Infantry Division during World War II, receiving the Bronze Star.

Following his service, Howard returned to Topeka and attended Washburn University and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949. On September 6, 1948, Howard married his beloved sweetheart, Marcella “Marcy” Clara Didde in Olpe, KS. Together, they shared 76 years of marriage before Marcy’s passing on November 30, 2024.

Howard’s career spanned 42 years with the Santa Fe Railway in Topeka and in 1983, he retired as the Project Control Administrator. He and Marcy loved to square dance, and he was a 23-year member of the Swinging Squares Dance Club.

Survivors include two sons, David L. Anderson (Barbara) of Newton, KS; and Gregory P. Anderson (Cherie) of Brooksville, FL. Other survivors include two grandsons, Andrew and Jacob Anderson; one step granddaughter, Elyse Miller (Chris) and their son, Landon; as well as his sister-in-law, Maybelle Scheetz of Topeka; and a brother-in-law, Arthur Didde of Burnsville, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marcy Anderson; and a sister, Marjorie Ybarra.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M., on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Howard will lie in state before the Mass on Friday from 9:30-10:30 A.M., at the church. Burial will follow with military honors at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Howard's memory to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Howard E. Anderson, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, May 23, 2025

9:30 - 10:30 am (Central time)

Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church

3601 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Mass of Christian Burial

Friday, May 23, 2025

Starts at 10:30 am (Central time)

Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church

3601 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Burial

Friday, May 23, 2025

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 391

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree