David Ray Anderson

David was born April 07, 1956, in Glasgow, MT to Wanda (Hembd) and Lyle Anderson. He was one of ten total children, having five brothers, including a twin brother Danny, and four sisters. David spent his childhood growing up in Glasgow before the family relocated in 1969, to Vaughn, MT. He resided there for over thirty years until moving to Great Falls. Dave attended Simms High School and graduated in 1974. After graduating, he left for Salt Lake City for a short time to attend barbering school. Upon his return to Montana, he began working at the Westgate Barbershop in Great Falls. After his time as a barber, he went on to work as a tire wholesaler. This position was based out of Great Falls, although he did travel throughout the state when needed. David finished out his professional career working on the production line for the Coca-Cola Company in Great Falls. On July 21, 1979, Dave married the loved of his life, his “Dear”, Diane St. Onge in Ft. Shaw, MT. They remained married over the next forty-two years. Together they welcomed three children, Summer (Shaun), Ceason, and Brent. Dave loved, adored, and supported his children. He especially loved, adored, wholly supported, and was so overly proud of his 6 grandchildren, Brayden, Trinytti, Keyton, Ian, Rayann and Anthony, and always with Diane right by his side. David most often could be found on a baseball field where he effortlessly took on the role of “Grandpa” and “Papa” to all his baseball kids. He traveled near and far to be at all the games he could be at just so he could cheer on the players. Whether it had been honking from his truck, cheering from his chair, offering monetary rewards for homeruns and a job well done, or giving a reassuring hug after a tough game his presence at the field never went unnoticed. In turn, he forged lifelong friendships amongst what has become his baseball family. Dave was a big personality with an even bigger heart. He never truly met someone that remained a stranger. His infectious smile and deep belly laugh could not help but feel inviting. He was a generous man who continued to love selflessly until the very end. The world is definitely a better place to be for all of those that had a chance to know him. David was preceded in death by his mother, Wanda (Hembd) Anderson; father, Lyle Anderson; brothers, Lyle Anderson Jr., and Leroy Anderson; and his twin brother, Daniel Anderson. David is survived by his beloved wife, Diane and their children and grandchildren.His siblings, Shirley (Ken) Sheldon of Vaughn, MT; Stella Anderson of Fort Benton, MT; Larry Anderson of Fairfield, MT; Terry Anderson of Fort Benton, MT; Judy Lindquist of Great Falls, MT; Melody (Ryan) Parshall-Howlett of Federal Way, WA. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and his large extended family and friends that he cared for deeply. A memorial service will be held April 03, 2021 @ 2:00 PM at O’Connor Funeral Home in Great Falls, MT with a celebration of life reception to immediately follow at the Elks Lodge in Great Falls. Burial will take place at a later date.