Robert James Anderson

Michael attended services and Sunday School at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Atwater from 1991-1997. He also attended church and Sunday School at Holy Grounds Ministry in Turlock in 1998. He was in the Awana Club at Evangelical Free Church of Merced from 1998–2000. He became a member of the youth group at Planada Gospel Lighthouse and received his Baptism there in 2004, after making the decision to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He joined the track team and played on the basketball team for the Planada School District. He later played basketball and football for Le Grand High School. After graduating from Merced High School on June 6, 2007, he played basketball for Merced Recreation and Parks. He married Ashley Surdich in January 2009 and they had a son named Carter. Robert joined the U.S. Marine Corps in March of 2009, where he served as a Specialized Vehicle Mechanic. He had re-enlisted in the beginning of this year. He was recently based in Sacramento as a recruiter, after having graduating Recruiter Training School with flying colors. Robert served two tours in Afghanistan. He would have turned 24 years old three days after his death. He had signed up his first recruit the week before his passing and had two more recruits in line to sign up the week of his death. He was ready to be promoted to Sergeant and earned ribbons and medals, one of which was an Achievement Medal for his service in Afghanistan. His second son, Max, was born November 3rd of this year. Robert enjoyed serving his country, sports and working out at the gym. He was artistic, musical and loved others. Above all, he loved serving his country and being a husband and father. He and his twin brother, Michael, were both born and died together.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Rick Witter; grandma, Dorothy Witter; uncle, Ronnie Anderson; grandma, Katie Anderson and grandpa, George Anderson.

He is survived by his wife, Ashley Anderson; their sons, Carter and Max; father, Willie James Anderson; mother, Lorraine Carol Anderson; sisters, Tarsha, Jennifer, Vanessa and Jesseca; brother, Marcus Anderson; aunts, Carolyn Crawford, Debra Kirkwood and Annie Anderson; and uncles, Martin Witter, Melvin Anderson, George Anderson Jr., Anthony Anderson and Bill Kirkwood.

Funeral Services were held at Stratford and Evans Merced Funeral Home on December 2, 2013.