Wendell Y. Anderson, age 98, of Xenia passed away Sunday, August 6, 2023 at the Dayton VA Hospital. He was born June 19, 1925 in Muskogee, OK, the son of the late Alger and Hartle Anderson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Alger, Talford and Alan Anderson; and daughter: Kathy Thomas.

Mr. Anderson was a proud veteran of both the US Navy and the US Air Force, serving in WWII, Korea and VietNam. He received many honors including the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He sang in the youth choir as a child, received his call to ministry in 1982; he briefly served as the interim pastor with Zion Baptist Church in Lebanon and was currently a member of the Zion Baptist Church, Xenia. He graduated from Glassboro State College and Rowan University. Mr. Anderson was a high school teacher in New Jersey, teaching History, Drafting and PE. He had his first job as a newspaper carrier at the age of 12. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked at Big Bear in Lebanon, OH and then DHL/Airborne Express loading airplanes. Wendell means wanderer and Mr. Anderson lived up to its meaning and loved to travel.

Mr. Anderson was blessed with a large family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Karen; his children: Denise Skinner, Michael Anderson, Marsha Anderson, Calla-Lisa Anderson and Karenina Anderson; a sister, Donna Parker; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends.

Services will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, August 23rd at Zion Baptist Church, 565 E. Main St., Xenia with Pastor Gary Chapman officiating. Visitation will be held 9:30 AM Wednesday until the time of service at the church. Burial will be held with military honors at the National Cemetery, Dayton.