Gerald Edward Anderson, 78, of Parsons, formerly of Topeka was born to parents Peggy G. Lewis and the late Elijah James in Topeka, KS on Valentine's Day, 1942. He died peacefully on July 18, 2020 with complications from aggressive lung cancer. However, to the very end, as usual he flirted and brought a smile to his female hospice nurses and other end-of-life caregiving staff members.
As a teenager, Gerald curiously moved about life, but he graduated from Highland Park High school in Topeka. As an adult he was tenacious, as evidenced in how long he fought to live after receiving such an unforgivable diagnosis. Gerald was employed with General Motors as an Assembly Worker for 24 years. However, he did not slowdown in retirement. Gerald, a businessman, had sealed many major industrial and house painting deals, with that smooth and fast talking, but easygoing persona.
Gerald's family and friends knew him as a quick thinker, stubborn but hard-working and independent in all his accomplishments. Gerald was a socialite and impulsive, but most of all he simply enjoyed chilling out with friends and family, while kicking back a few drinks and a smoke.
Gerald is survived by his mother, Peggy J. Lewis, age 96, and one sibling, brother, Richard "Shaf" Boswell of Texas. Gerald surviving children are daughter Valorie James of Chicago, son Lashawn Taylor of Kansas, daughter Kristian Hurley of Michigan son, Gerald James, Jr of Kansas. Gerald was blessed with the following grandchildren: Dr. Jazzmyne Montgomery of Illinois, Damonte' Taylor, Isiah and Nena Taylor of Kansas, Davis and Blake Hurley of Michigan, and Gerald Anderson III and Lashay Anderson and his great grandchildren, Darianna and Khmari Amri Taylor. Gerald is also survived by a host of loving nieces, a nephew and many loving cousins from the Anderson family.
Private graveside services will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery, Topeka.
Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66605 is assisting the family.
Cards and/or gifts can be mailed to Lashawn Taylor, PO Box 643, Parsons, Kansas 67357.
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