Eric John Anderson

Eric J. Anderson of Dewitt, Michigan passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024 after decades of battling heart disease. He was 61 years old. A beloved husband, stepfather, brother, veteran and member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He was born in Lansing, Michigan on July 12, 1963 to parents Rose and John Anderson who went by the name of Jack. He and his younger brother Joe grew up in Laingsburg, Michigan. Eric is a graduate of Laingsburg High School, Ferris State University and served three years in the United States Army as a light wheeled vehicle mechanic. He had one overseas assignment in South Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division. Shortly after leaving the Army he was hired by the United States Postal Service where most of his 32 years of service were as a mechanic for the mail processing equipment. His final years of service were as a custodian for the Dewitt Post Office. He was hardworking, generous, loyal and loving.

Eric had always said he wanted a large family. Fate gave him his wish but in a less traditional way. He married Sally (Leitch) White on April 4, 1997. She already had two children (Libby and Ian) and they became an instant family of four. Sadly, Sally passed away from cancer on September 22, 1998 and Eric again became a bachelor again. A couple of years later he was introduced to Sheryl (Crittenden) McPhail by a common friend. They soon became inseparable and with the consent of Sheryl's daughter Katie they married. They shared 23 years together, enjoyed multiple family trips to Disney, and summer fairs for daughter Katie's equestrian competitions. They also enjoyed many theatrical productions at MSU's Wharton Center. They took two grand trips to Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands. He was a lifelong fan of the science fiction/fantasy genre and as a young man who came of age in the 80's liked his video games ("Avabel" in particular).

He was preceded in death by his father, John (Jack) Anderson; mother, Rose Anderson and his first wife, Sally Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sheryl Anderson; brother, Joe (Chris) Anderson; stepchildren, Katie (Betsy) McPhail, Libby (Scott) Hoover and Ian White. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Mike (Margie) Crittenden.

A celebration of Eric's life will he held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 11:00 am at the American Legion Hall located at 1240 W. Grand River, Laingsburg, MI 48848. Interment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at 4444 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906 at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the Capital Area Humane Society.