William Donald Anderson

William Donald Anderson was born on September 10, 1927, in McPherson, KS. He passed away on December 2, 2025, at the home of his son, Bart Alden Anderson, in Mulvane, KS. He was preceded in death by his wife, Velma, of over 60 years; two sons, Donny and Wade Anderson; one daughter, Audrey Angleton; and his parents, Martin and Vallie Anderson. He is survived by his son, Bart Anderson of Mulvane, and his daughter, Terri Hamlett of Derby; eight grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He attended primary and secondary school at Canton/Galva, where he graduated from high school in 1945. Shortly after graduating, he was drafted into the United States Army near the end of WWII, where he served overseas in the U.S. occupational forces in Japan. At the conclusion of his tour of duty, he returned to Kansas and attended Kansas State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. After receiving his degree, he worked most of his career at Boeing in Wichita, KS.

He pursued his love of aviation by obtaining his pilot’s license. This led to further adventures for Don and Velma, and he further invested his interest with part ownership in an aircraft. As an active member of the Wichita chapter of Shriners and the “Flying Fez,” Don volunteered his time and talent as a pilot for Mercy Flights, transporting infirm and injured children to specialized care facilities around the United States. Don and Velma were long-time members of the Derby Presbyterian Church, serving and sharing the fruits of their time and talents.

Don was always invested in hard work and had a great love for his family, interests, and hobbies. He blessed his family with many adventures and spent many summers at a lakeside cabin in Blackwell, OK. He loved to water ski as well as snow ski. He never knew a stranger and was always ready to help a neighbor.

After retirement, Don and Velma traveled often—by road, by air, and in their RV camper—journeying across the country, internationally, and regionally, always active in pursuit of their crafts and opportunities to contribute. Don and Velma were active in the annual Mulvane Old Settlers celebration and, in 2018, were selected as Grand Marshals of the event.

Don was an avid reader, a lover of all things mechanical, old cars, and machines, and he pursued many interests. There always seemed to be a project underway. They also kept busy in their various hobbies; Velma took up quilting, and Don began woodcarving—an interest that would produce countless amazing works. In pursuit of all the things they loved to do, they always made time for family and their grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church

Public Viewing will be held at 9:00am on Monday December 8, 2025 with Funeral Service to follow at 10:00am - Both at First Presbyterian Church 324 N Baltimore Ave, Derby, KS 67037.  Burial to follow at Mulvane Cemetery in Mulvane, KS.