Robert Martin Anderson, age 94, went to be with the Lord on December 5, 2023, in Franklin, Tennessee. Bob, as he was known by his family and friends, was born on April 8, 1929, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the son of Elmer and Gretta Anderson. He grew up in Seminole, Oklahoma.
Bob served four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Following his service, he attended Oklahoma University in Norman, where he double majored in industrial engineering and business management. Bob also earned an MBA at Indiana University, Bloomington.
Bob married Mary Frances Anderson in 1957. The couple moved to Bloomington, Indiana, where he
went to work at the newly opened Westinghouse plant as an Industrial Engineer, working his way
up in management. Bob retired from Westinghouse in 1989 after 36 years. Following his tenure at Westinghouse, Bob became the Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation of Bloomington. As director, Bob traveled with Sister Cities International to Japan, Korea, and China along with Bloomington Mayor Allison and other city officials attracting businesses to move to the Bloomington area. He retired again after five years in economic development.
In his retirement, Bob enjoyed being active in the Kiwanis Club of Bloomington. He also enjoyed reading, traveling, gardening, watercolor painting, playing banjo and other instruments. He was an active member of Sherwood Oaks Christian Church. In 2020, he and his wife moved to Franklin, Tennessee to be near their daughter Patricia and her family. In Franklin, Bob attended Christ Community Church.
Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Frances Anderson; his daughters Suzy Bennett (Gary) and Patricia Dickeson (Kent); grandchildren Matthew Dickeson and Laura Dickeson; his sister Donna Hayford; nieces Kara Hayford, Lyn Finman, Cindy Hayford, Paige Dejesus, Janice Beatty; and nephews Rick Gardner and Steve Boone.
There will be a military service and interment at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, Nashville, and a Celebration of Life at a later date.
