Obituary of Burton L Anderson

Burton L. Anderson, 85, of 236 Elmcrest Ave. Lakewood, NY passed away at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday (August 16, 2011) in his home. A lifelong area resident he was born August 30, 1925 in Jamestown, NY a son of the late Harold D. and Gertrude C. Heimiller Anderson. At age 16 he enlisted in the Merchant Marines and later served in the U.S. Army from May 3, 1944 to April 24, 1946 in the 13th Airborne Division during World War II where he served as a paratrooper. During his tour of duty he received the American Campaign Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Before his retirement, he was employed for 32 years by the City of Jamestown as a firefighter from 1954 till his retirement in 1986, at which time he cared for his wife. He had also worked for Sunset Hill Cemetery for 38 years. He was very proud of being a 2nd generation fireman for the City of Jamestown. His father was killed in the line of duty during the Atlantic Richfield Oil Fire in 1934. He was remembered as a fearless fireman who was always fondly talked about by the past and present members of the Jamestown Fire Department. He always talked about working out of station one, at city hall, and being the driver of Ladder One for most of his career. He will be remembered as a loving and caring father and grandfather who loved living and working in Chautauqua County. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to cook his wild game that he caught. He also enjoyed spending time with is grandchildren. He was a member of the Morton Club of Jamestown, the War Vets Recreation Club and the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. Surviving are a son Jon B. Anderson of Ashville, a daughter Lindsay V. Pihl of Jamestown, four grandchildren Jon B. Anderson, Jr. with whom he made his home and cared for Burt, Anthony M. Anderson, Kelli L. (Jeffrey) Lindboom, Justin M. Pihl all of Jamestown, five great grandchildren Dakota Anderson, Mitchell Anderson, Ryleigh Anderson, Andrew Lindboom and Olivia Lindboom all of Jamestown. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife the former Bette L. Groscost Anderson whom he married December 24, 1945 and who died November 19, 1993, a brother Oliver "Pinky" Anderson and a sister Janet Johnson. The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday in the Lind Funeral Home. Rev. Deacon Cathy Smith, chaplain of Hospice Chautauqua County will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.