David N. Anderson, 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 6, 2023, encompassed in love and surrounded by his family at home.

David took his first breath on July 19, 1946, born to Silas and Annette Anderson in Harrisburg, IL. He was predeceased by his parents. He was the younger and only brother to sisters Carolyn, Catherine, and Nancy. He married Elizabeth on March 15, 1969 in Decatur, IL.

After graduating from Harrisburg High School in 1964, he worked in radio for 10 years during the 1960s and early 1970s, first for two years with his hometown WEBQ, followed by WGGH in nearby Marion while attending SIU Carbondale, and then in Decatur at WDZ. His final stop as a radio man was a stint as news director of Springfield’s WDBR and WTAX while pursuing a master’s degree in communications at Sangamon State University (UIS). Hired in 1974 as the Illinois State Bar Association’s Director of Public Affairs, he maintained that title for 39 years until his retirement while also serving in a variety of other posts including Associate Executive Director.

David’s family, friends, and colleagues would aptly describe him as “the great communicator” and someone who considered the empowerment of others to be a measurement of success. He was known to choose his words carefully and valued quality over quantity. He imbued a natural respect for and curiosity of the mysteries of the universe, with balance and equality resonating as factors that guided his way of life. He loved stargazing, gardening, puzzles, music, Fourth of July fireworks, barbecue, and chocolate cake. He could win a game of pool with one eye closed and hardly trying. He drove a little fast and always looked amazing in his Havana hat, sometimes a cigar in hand. He had the best stories - once he fought Muhammad Ali on a busy street corner, but that’s one for another time…

David is lovingly survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth “Bette” Anderson, three children, Matthew Anderson, Sarah Anderson, and Katherine Moore as well as son-in-law Nicholas Moore, and grandchildren Toby, Gabriel, Liliana, and Jameson. He is also survived by his three sisters and 10 nieces and nephews residing in locations in the U.S. from coast to coast and Australia. David loved nothing more than the time spent with his family.

Burial at Rhine Cemetery, Raleigh, IL, and a private ceremony will be at a later date.

Donations can be made in David’s honor to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or to Central Illinois Foodbank. He believed in science, fairness, and helping others.