Michael Keith Anderson

Michael “Mike” Keith Anderson passed away on July 25, 2024, at the age of 76, in his hometown of Prairieville, Louisiana. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Mike came out as a hero. He was born on April 2, 1948 in Biloxi, Mississippi to the union of Louis and Belva Anderson. He graduated from Gonzales High School in 1966 and went into the Air Force shortly thereafter, where he served in the Vietnam War training K-9’s. Following his military service, Mike went into the finance business and then retired as a car salesman, where he was known for his honesty and fairness. In his retirement, Mike continued to spread joy to others with his beautiful roses that he enjoyed growing and nurturing in his rose garden. He was an avid fisherman, a patient fishing guide and was the first to wager a bet on who was going to catch the most fish or the biggest fish. Mike had many fishing stories to share with his family and many of his dear friends who went on fishing trips with him. Mike also liked to cook, especially his famous gumbos, and he never met a stranger. He loved watching sporting events, especially football, and despite his failing health during the last year, he never missed a chance to attend a St. Amant High School Gator home football game to watch his great nephew. Mike is survived by his wife, Sheila Lawson Anderson; his sisters, Sherryl Harper and her husband Steve, and Debra Anderson; his brother, Tim Anderson and his wife Robin; his Godchild, John Stelly; and his beloved pet Izzy. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews as well as many devoted and caring friends who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents Louis Pierre and Mary Belva Anderson; a sister, Mary Jane Anderson; a daughter, Tina Marie Anderson; a brother-in-law, Donald J. Simoneaux; and his beloved pet, Annie, who traveled with him most every place Mike went. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation which will be held at Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 5pm-8pm. Visitation will resume at St. John Catholic Church on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 10am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Burial will follow at Hope Haven Garden of Memory in Prairieville, LA. Serving as Pallbearers are John Stelly, Cody Anderson, Chad Simoneaux, Joe Simoneaux, Jeremy Anderson, Fred Anderson, Gary Aswell (Dinger) and Randy Lawson. Honorary Pallbearers are Olin Berthelot and Barry Ricca. Mike’s presence will be profoundly missed, but his memory will continue to be a beacon of warmth and joy for all who had the pleasure of knowing him.