Marion Wesley Anderson

Marion Wesley Anderson, formerly of Leavenworth, KS, passed away at the age of 98 on June 8, 2018, following a brief illness. Marion was born on February 7, 1920 in LaJara, Colorado, to S.E. and Gertrude Anderson, and moved shortly thereafter to Rosalia, Kansas. Following graduation from high school, he studied Music in college, obtaining a bachelors degree from Southwestern University, and later a masters degree in Music Education from Wichita State. Marion served in the 20th Armored Division, US Army, during World War II, serving in the European Theater of Operations. Following his discharge from the Army, Marion began a teaching career in Kansas which would span 38 years. He began teaching band and vocal music in Norwich, Kansas, and taught in Ness City and St. John, before moving to Leavenworth in 1953 to accept a position as a citywide band teacher, which would last 29 years until his retirement in 1982. While in Leavenworth, he also taught band at Nettie Hartnett and East Junior High. While Marion will be remembered fondly by his many band students, he will also be remembered by his numerous private piano and organ students. He taught privately at home and at the Leavenworth Toon Shop for almost 30 years. His other musical contributions were as the choir director for the First Christian Church in Leavenworth, and as organist at the First Methodist Church in Leavenworth and the First Church of Christ Scientist, Leavenworth. Upon his retirement, Marion moved to Lake George, Colorado, where he enjoyed playing the organ for the Community Fellowship of Christians, until he retired again at the age of 89. One of the highlights of his long musical career was performing as the oldest pianist performing on a stage alongside 47 pianists on 12 grand pianos in "A Grand Time", a piano extravaganza, at the age of 80. Marion is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy, daughters Linda Hammontree (Doug) of Lenexa, KS, Carol Donoho (Dave) of Tampa, FL, grandchildren Amy Hammontree Sherman, Sarah Hammontree Audus, Megan Donoho, Alison Donoho Dohn, and Joe Donoho, as well as 8 great grandchildren. The family expresses extreme gratitude for the skillful and compassionate care provided by Melanie Klover and her staff at Clover Care Home in Shawnee, KS, during the final years of Marion's life.

The family suggests any memorial contributions be made to "The Community Fellowship of Christians" P.O. Box 542, Lake George, CO 80827.

As per his wishes, a private family celebration of his life will be held.