Memorial Service for Michael Eugene (Mike) Anderson will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 28, 2023 in the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel.

Interment with full military honors will follow in the Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma.

Michael Eugene (Mike) Anderson, 71, of Lawton passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023, after a long and very brave battle with cancer. Born in Reidsville, Georgia on December 21, 1952, he was the son of Major General Thurman E. Anderson, US Army Retired, of Melbourne, Florida and the late Gloria M. Jones Anderson.  Mike grew up as an Army brat, moving about with his military family to new duty assignments.  He graduated from Thomas Edison High School in 1970, followed by attendance and graduation from North Georgia College in 1974.  Mike entered the US Army in 1974, and served proudly for 20 years, retiring in 1994.  While on active duty, he completed overseas tours in Germany, Korea, and in Operation Desert Storm, but he loved being at Fort Sill near his family.  During his final year of Army service, Mike worked with the Fort Sill Command Team to support the Fort Sill-Lawton CO-OP program.  Founded by Mr. Bill Smith, the Fort Sill-Lawton CO-OP program supported a community partnership program to help maintain and improve the bonds between the civilian and military community through activities and recreational events to foster communication, cooperation, and friendship.  Mike also spearheaded the Wings of Eagles program on Fort Sill.  In partnership with Lawton Public Schools, the Wings of Eagles was designed to enhance the self-image and confidence of youth from sixth grade to junior high school through confidence building activities on the military installation.  Mike was the recipient of a Bronze Star, the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, and multiple military awards and commendations for his years of dedicated service to the nation.  After his military retirement in 1994, Mike remained in Lawton and began a second career.  He first worked with Lawton Public Schools, followed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. for more than 20 years.  He also volunteered in the local community with Teen Court, the Fort Sill Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Office, the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, and served on the Executive Board of the Armed Services YMCA.  Mike lived a life of service, both in his professional and volunteer positions.  He never knew a stranger and helped anyone who needed assistance.  Mike retired from Goodyear when his health began to decline, leaving behind a legacy of his dedicated work ethic and strong friendships.  After retirement from Goodyear, Mike devoted himself to family life and to being the best son, husband, father, and grandfather.  He loved working in his yard and garden, reading, and visiting with family.  He also shared long conversations and time with cherished friendships developed as a young man, throughout his military career, and from his workdays at Goodyear.  Many of these friends visited and stayed in touch with Mike as he dealt with health issues.  Mike was the center of a close, loving family who cherished the special memories of their years together.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife Cheryl Anderson and their family; son and daughter-in-law Matthias and Keely Anderson of Chattanooga, Tennessee, daughter and son-in-law Monika Anderson and Skip Henson of Oklahoma City, daughter April L. Anderson of Oklahoma City, son Robert Foster and his fiancé Upasana Dhar of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, his father Major General Thurman E. Anderson, US Army Retired of Melbourne, Florida, his brother and sister-in-law, COL Paul and COL Jean Anderson, US Army Retired of Chaffee, New York, two special grandchildren, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Laurel and Roger Ward of Oneida, Tennessee, sister-in-law Dara Clark of Oneida, Tennessee, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and those with whom he treasured friendships for more than 50 years.  The apple of his eye was granddaughter Phoebe, who he spoiled at every opportunity.