John Paul Anderson

John Paul Anderson, 79, passed away in hospice care at Grand Island Regional Medical Center in Grand Island, Nebraska, on November 20, 2024, after complications during long-standing cancer treatment. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 22, 1945, to Dr. John S. and Dorothy (Jones) Anderson, Paul spent his early years in Gordon and Grand Island, Nebraska. He graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1963 and then attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, studying music and participating in the marching band. Playing his trumpet during Husker football championship bowl games was a highlight. After college, Paul obtained his commercial driver's license, and he spent his working lifetime as a long-haul trucker--driving in his later decades for Sunrise Express of Grand Island, Nebraska, until his retirement. As a truck driver, Paul thoroughly enjoyed seeing vast stretches of our country while traveling "over-the-road" to destinations from the west coast to downtown Manhattan. Every day was a new adventure that he embraced with enthusiasm. He took pride in being a careful trucker who always obtained great mileage; on more than one occasion, he earned awards for driving excellence. Paul's spirituality, which he shared freely with all who would listen, was the main focus of his life. While living with chronic illness during his last years, he continually shared with others his positive outlook and deep gratitude. Paul never wanted to burden others. A man of many subtle talents, he could tune a piano or sketch a landscape as easily as he could amaze his nephews with a magic trick or a thought puzzle. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers, Dr. Sheridan T. Anderson of Grand Island, Nebraska, and James S. Anderson of Central City, Nebraska. He is survived by sister-in-law Mary Jane “Janie” Anderson of Grand Island and brother Dr. Robert L. (Amy Kathryn "Kathy") Anderson of Mount Vernon, Maine; nephews Neil (Kate) Anderson of Hallowell, Maine, Alec (Megan) Anderson of Bangor, Maine, and Mark (Kate) Anderson of West Roxbury, Massachusetts; great nephews and nieces Hugo, Margaret "Maggie," Adelaide "Addy," Leo, John Robert "J.R.," Cora, Sophia "Sophie," and Audrey Anderson; cousins Gary (Bonnie) Anderson of Roca, Nebraska, Dr. Michael Stewart Jones of Oxnard, California, and Linda Jones (Michael) Gibbs of Mamaroneck, New York, and their families. A remembrance gathering of close family and friends will take place in Paul's honor this coming spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to GRACE Cancer Foundation in Grand Island, Nebraska.

John Paul Anderson

October 22, 1965 - November 20, 2024

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John Paul Anderson

October 22, 1965 - November 20, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support