Robert Dean Anderson, 91, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Goldwater Rehabilitation Center in Roseville, Illinois.
Dean was born May 28, 1934, in Monmouth, the son of Robert M. “Bob” and Dorothy (Bennett) Anderson. He was raised and educated in Monmouth, graduating from Monmouth High School.
Dean served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany.
He married Sandy L. Martin on June 20, 1975, at First Baptist Church in Monmouth, and she survives.
Dean worked for Admiral in Galesburg before becoming a building contractor with Warfields Lumber. He later partnered with Denny Rhoades in Rhoades & Anderson Construction for 22 years before retiring.
He was of Baptist faith.
Dean was a very active member of the Monmouth VFW, where he held several offices and served as commander numerous times. He was instrumental in the building of the newer Monmouth VFW. He was also a member of the Monmouth American Legion and served for years on the VFW/American Legion Honor Squad. He could always be seen with either the Color Guard or the Honor Squad. He was very proud of his service to his country. Dean enjoyed gardening and was a very artistic wood carver of wildlife and furniture. He also held his pilot’s license.
Survivors include his wife, Sandy L. Anderson of Monmouth; his children, Steven (Denise) Anderson of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Sandy K. Anderson of North Liberty, Iowa; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dale Anderson; brothers, John Anderson and Frank Anderson; and sister, Mary Ann Robinson.
Graveside services with military honors will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at Warren County Memorial Park in Monmouth. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence, visit www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
