Rommie Allen “Bud” Anderson September 11, 1937 - June 20, 2020

Rommie Allen "Bud" Anderson of Brinkley passed away at the age of 82. He was born in Big Prairie, Missouri to Frank Edward and Illa Irene (Griffin) Anderson. He grew up in the community of Dark Corner, Marianna, and Missouri. When he was older he moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, and Mt. Saint Helens, Washington, where he painted ships; and then to Heber Springs. In the 1980s, he moved to Brinkley, to be closer to his family, where he resided until his death.

His most beloved pastime was fishing with his family. His favorite fishing trip was a once in a lifetime trip to Canada with his nephew, Ricky Anderson. Another notable fishing adventure took place the day Mt. Saint Helens erupted. He said he was fishing on the opposite side of the mountain when it erupted and when asked what he did, he claimed that he just kept on fishing. He loved his dogs & cats and treated them like his children. He was known to take care of stray animals that showed up at his house, and even a few baby squirrels once. He was also known as Santa around Christmas time, even dressing for the part at a Christmas party at Cla-Clif Nursing Home & Rehab Center. He looked forward to the singing each month at Cla-Clif Nursing Home & Rehab Center in Brinkley, where he was a resident, when his great-great-nephew, Gabriel Johnson, and great-great-nieces, Faith Johnson and Layna Bline would come to sing and play music. He would always tell the residents that his family was coming to sing and then he would request songs, his favorite being “Stroll Over Heaven.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank & Illa Anderson; two brothers, William Edward "Ed" & wife, Helen Anderson, and Onis Melvin "Tom" & wife, Dee Anderson; sister, Catherine Mae (Anderson) West; and two nephews, Richard Allen "Ricky" Anderson and Frank Matthew "Matt" Anderson. He is survived by nieces, Barbara & Ruby West, Katherine Anderson, and Becky Anderson; a nephew, Johnnie West; and a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews. Although he did not have any children or grandchildren of his own, he was close to his nieces, Heather Bline (Steve) of Brinkley & Carmen Johnson (Steven) of Hazen, and nephew, Patrick Anderson (Joni) of Moro; along with their children.

The family will have an intimate graveside service in the upcoming days.