Lyman D. Anderson

Family to Receive Friends: Tuesday, July 27, from 6-8 p.m., at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, July 28, at 10:00 a.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Chapel.

Graveside Service: military honors will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.

Lyman Duane Anderson, 72, of Helena, Montana passed away with courage and dignity on July 23, 2010 with his family by his side.

Lyman was born September 17, 1937 to Joel and Pearl Anderson in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Lyman joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17, where he became a first class Engineman. He served his country honorably and was proud of his military accomplishments. In 1962 Lyman married the love of his life, Sharroll Hicks. Lyman had four children, Shirley Crowder of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Vicki Anderson of Helena, Montana, Ronna Jo Wilcox of Lafayette, Colorado, and Jeffrey Anderson of Centennial, Colorado. After nine years in the Navy, Lyman had the ability to know exactly what was wrong with anything mechanical just by listening to it. His extreme knowledge in mechanics had made him an expert and respected in his field. Lyman continued his career as a heavy equipment superintendent for Green International Construction from 1963 to 1986. Lyman was a devoted father who worked endlessly to provide for his family. His commitment to his childrens needs and wants was truly inspirational. Together with his wife Sharroll they provided a home environment that was full of love, protection and happiness. On the rare occasion that Lyman was not working he loved to hunt and fish. Through many years he obtained an amazing gun collection. In 1986 he started his own business called Anderson Heavy Equipment Maintenance and Repair in which he was extremely successful. In 1994 Lyman decided to move from Colorado to Montana, where he worked for Helena Sand and Gravel until he finally retired in 2007. Lyman loved and lived life to the fullest every day. Whatever he wanted, hoped or dreamed he accomplished. Lyman fulfilled his lifelong dream by becoming an airplane pilot in 2001 at the age of 63. He owned a 182 Cessna and loved to fly soaring through the sky. He remained active in the NRA and was an extreme republican.

Lyman is preceded in death by his father Joel and his mother Pearl; his brothers Edward, Ronald and Harold; his sisters Ruth and Sharon.

He is survived by his wife, Sharroll; daughters Shirley, Vicki, Ronna Jo and son Jeff and wife, Kammy; grandchildren Delena, Dennis, Dawn, Keely, Justin, Samantha, Levi, Spencer and Mikaley; great grandchildren Cody, Shawn, Benjamin, Vivian, Amber, Richard and Trinity.

The family would like to give their deepest thanks and gratitude to Mike McIntyre for his amazing friendship and support, his devotion and commitment has been beyond expectation for which we are eternally grateful. Lymans bucket list wish to fly one last time was granted due to the efforts and commitment of Vetter Aviation for which the family will remember forever. And a special thanks to Brent Vetter for making it happen. Lyman was our Great American Hero in the end he fought bravely through the pain and he never complained. His suffering has ended. His battle is over and he is finally at peace. Take care of our precious Lyman. Dad, we will love and miss you more than words can say.