Verlan Keith Anderson

Verlan “Keith” Anderson, 75, of Bethesda, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2023. He was born on March 6, 1947 in Bellefontaine, Ohio, a son to the late Alex and Lillian (Runyan) Anderson.

Keith was a man of many talents. He was an avid businessman for many years until he found his true calling in life: following, loving, and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Keith was extraordinarily well versed in the Bible, and he eventually became an ordained pastor at Fort Victory Baptist Church in Texas. For decades Keith used his quick wit, great sense of humor, and strong knowledge of the Bible to lead hundreds of others to follow Jesus. He also had a strong connection and love for Israel where he visited some 30 times. He was a proud patriot, having served his country on the front lines during Vietnam. Keith was a true Texan, having spent most of his life there. He wore creased jeans and cowboy boots almost everywhere he went, and he harbored a fierce love for his family and friends. Keith had a generous spirit and enjoyed singing, playing the guitar, golfing, landscaping and meeting new people everywhere he went. To those who knew him, Keith was the definition of a life well lived.

In addition to his parents, Keith is preceded in death by his late wife (Jodie Anderson), and a son (Jason Busby).

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife and partner, Nancy Anderson; children, Kristie (Mark) Lehrer, Wendy Grady; step-children, Alicia (Mike) McKeever, Ben (Brook) McFarland; grandchildren, Hunter, Owen, Sadie, Zachary, Sydney, Olivia, Carlie, Luke, Jack, Annie, Gabriella, and Benjamin; sisters, Susie (Butch) Bradley, Myrna (Harlie) Patterson; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Keith is being buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth, Texas. The Wilson Funeral Home, Bethesda Chapel, is assisting the family. A celebration of life with a luncheon will be held in Texas, and then at the East Richland Friends Church at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, consider making donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org), the HaYovel (serveisrael.com), or Friends of Israel Defense Forces (www.fidf.org).

To give a glimpse of his character, here is a letter his granddaughter, Sadie wrote upon his passing: “Dear Keith: You’ve been an incredible grandfather, everyone’s best friend, a world class comedian, a talented musician, and a mighty warrior against cancer, for your country, and most of all, for Jesus Christ. It’s been an honor getting to know you, and I know that when you cross that river, you will be welcomed home with open arms. You have forever lifted Nana’s spirit, and changed our lives for the better. You’ve shown us how to fight with everything we’ve got. You’ve shown us how to be kind, even when suffering. You've shown us how to have unshakable faith in God, no matter what life throws your way. May the journey home be easy, painless, and peaceful. And as you always like to say when we are leaving, “don’t drink your bathwater.”

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