Howard Anderson

Howard Leroy Anderson, loving husband, dedicated father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2023, at the age of 86. He is survived by his children, Scott Anderson, Stacy Anderson (Debbie Sanchez), and David Anderson; his siblings Marge Tracy and Dean Anderson; grandchildren Christopher, Mara, Tori, and Ari; and great grandchildren Wesley and Gunnar.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife Ann; parents, Stephen and Mary Anderson; and his brothers, Kenneth, Raymond, Carmon (Shorty) and Leon.

Howard was born in Earlsboro, Oklahoma on February 12, 1937. He attended Murray Junior College, then went on to graduate and obtain his master's from Oklahoma State. He married the love of his life, Ann Anderson, and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Howard worked in the Albuquerque Public School system for over 30 years as a teacher and principal. During his time at Del Norte High School, he led the track team to two state championships in 1967 and 1969. In 1969 the team won by an exciting close finish in the mile relay to beat Hobbs. Howard also led the Del Norte Knights football team to a 13-0 season and won the class 4A state championship against Hobbs, 14-6 in 1974. The 1974 Del Norte Knights football team was ranked in the top 20 best Highschool teams in the nation. That year Howard was named national coach of the year. He was one of the first inductees to the Del Norte Hall of Fame on February 10th, 2022. He was also inducted into the Seminole Hall of Fame on June 15, 2015. Howard's dedication to and passion for coaching has had a lifelong impact on many people.

Outside of coaching, Howard loved camping and fishing every summer with his family and the camping crew, traveling to all the states in the United States and most of the Canadian Provinces. On their first trip to Alaska with Max and Billie Forrest, he caught a 52 lb, 47-inch King Salmon that took two hours to reel in! In addition to traveling and fishing Howard was an accomplished woodworker and craftsman. He built a house in the east mountains that he and Ann lived in for over twenty years. Howard also built much of furniture inside their home. They loved living in the mountains. He was always willing to help others with the skills he had acquired over the years.

He was an incredible husband, dad, grandpa, coach, and friend that has left all of us with so many wonderful memories that will last forever.

The funeral service honoring Howard's life will be held at FRENCH-Lomas on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 at 11:00 am.

Reception to follow the service.