Franklin Donald Anderson, Sr.

• Born: December 3, 1936, in Jacksonville, Florida

Died: October 8, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida

• Parents: William Henry Anderson and Ruby Wasdin
• Franklin was raised in Springhead, Florida.
• He enlisted in the Army in 1954.
• He served as a combat soldier in the Korean War.

He received a medical discharge from the Army in 1956.

He met Edna Ruth Eaton in Holland, Michigan. When he saw her sitting across from him at Russ’ Drive-In, he told his friend that he would marry her one day. They married in Holland, Michigan, on November 17, 1956. (They were only a few weeks away from celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.) While living in Holland, they welcomed two daughters, Deborah Lynn and Laura Kim. After moving to Plant City, Florida, their son, Frank Jr., was born.

Eva Lee Eaton, Frank and Ruth Anderson, June and Ann Albin, and Mrs. Kelch founded the Church of God in Holland, Michigan. The church remains active today.

• He often fished at the Fin and Feather, pursuing his love of bass fishing.

He also participated in the annual Turkey Trots drag races.

He was active in the Plant City Church of God, driving the bus for a Sunday route served by Ruth, his wife, and Cathy Stafford—a ministry they enjoyed working in together.

In their later years, they became Charter members of Victory Church in Lakeland, Florida, and attended services there.

• Franklin is survived by:
• Edna Ruth Anderson, wife – Lakeland, Florida
• Bess Morris, sister – Plant City, Florida
• Deborah Elliott (Wayne), daughter – Lakeland, Florida
• Laura Wiggins (Larry), daughter – Naples, Florida

Frank Anderson Jr., son – Lakeland, Florida

He was blessed with six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Tuesday October 20, 2026, from 9-10AM at Victory Church- Light of Lights Chapel followed by a funeral service at 10AM, burial will follow at 2PM at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.