Mr. Gene Anderson, 84, of Paris passed away Sunday, June 19, 2011 at his residence after an extended illness.

He was born on November 22, 1926 in Cleveland, OK a son of Esca Marion and Olive Easter Chandler Anderson. He was the manager of maintenance for Campbell Soup from 1968 till 1990 and was a member of Southside Baptist Church. He served in World War II in the U.S. Army in 11^th Airborn Division , attained the rank of Sgt., received the Parachutist’s Badge, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with a bronze star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a bronze star, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, and Army of Occupation Medal (Japan) and two Overseas Service Bars.

Gene was a member of the Paris Masonic Lodge # 27 including Scottish Rite, Paris York Commandry, Eastern Star of Paris Chapter 5 and Blossom Lodge # 303. He had served as master of both lodges and served as secretary of the Blossom Lodge. He received his 50 year pin two years ago. He conducted over 100 Masonic funerals for past members. 

Survivors include his wife Doris Nichols Anderson whom he married on June 30, 1962 in Hugo, Oklahoma; son Larry Dale Anderson and wife Teresa of Paris; daughters Sharon Bradford and husband Reggie of Lake Fork, Barbara Watts and husband Bill of Tallassee, Ala.; grandchildren Amanda Anderson of Paris, Jill Cox and husband Chris of Wylie, Michael Bradford and wife Jennifer of Houston; great grandchildren Jake Wynn, Kadilee Steed, Matthew Cox, Abigail Cox, Benjamin Bradford, and Michael and Jennifer Bradford are expecting a baby boy in August; brothers Dean Anderson of Tulsa, OK and Lloyd Wayne Anderson of Purcell, OK; sister Oweeta Smith of Healdton, Ok.; a very close friend Ann Thompson of Paris. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Billy Ray Anderson and Gynn Anderson and his in-laws Emmett and Ava Nichols.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday in the chapel of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Billy Norris officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery with Johnny Norris, Reggie Bradford, Michael Bradford, James Morton, Bill Watts, and Charlie Austin serving as pallbearers. The U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard will provide a military graveside. Family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.