Darwin Edward Anderson, age 98 of Manistee, peacefully passed away on Thursday April 4, 2024.

He was born on April 1, 1926, in Newland, MI, the son of the late Edward & Isabelle (Keillor) Anderson. He graduated from Onekama High School with the Class of 1944. A member of the "Greatest Generation," he was a veteran of World War II serving with the United States Navy's amphibious forces in the South Pacific on the USS Selinur. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal & Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medals, World War II Victory Medal, & Navy Occupation of Japan Medal. He was awarded a Quilt of Valor in 2018. Darwin was very proud of his naval career and being in World War II.

He married Viola Marie Jacobi on December 10, 1947, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Manistee. She preceded him in death on May 20, 2002.

Darwin had been employed as a fireman for the City of Manistee for 25 years, as well as in the maintenance department at the Manistee County Medical Care Facility for 40 years.

He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Manistee where he ushered and painted for many years. Darwin was also a member of the American Legion Post #10 and a Life Member of VFW Walsh Post #4499.

Darwin was a lifelong sports enthusiast, watching his children and later, grandchildren participate in athletics. He followed local and state teams, attended many sports events, loved basketball, track, and softball. Darwin even attended basketball state finals for over 70 years. He loved being outdoors and working the land around his farm in Onekama. He would spend days on the farm cutting wood for fire logs. Enjoyed driving to the beach, parking his truck, and watching the water.

He is survived by five sons John (Sherry) Anderson of Holland, James (Vicki) Anderson of Manistee, Jack (Cheryl) Anderson of Portland, MI, Thomas (Mary) Anderson of Charlevoix, & Michael (Gay) Anderson of Henderson, NV; 14 grandchildren Stacey Anderson, Jessica (Jason) Dew, Joshua (Carly) Anderson, Jeffrey (Leanne) Anderson, Julie (Ben) Bowers, Kristen (Geoff) Fellows, Matthew (Tina) Anderson, Emily (Brian) Freund, Sarah, Amanda, and Aaron Anderson; 3 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Marilyn Leet of Manistee; and numerous nieces and nephews, and a special niece, Candy Wittlief.

In addition to his parents, Darwin was preceded in death by a daughter Janet Killinger; sister Evelyn (John) Neinhus, and brother Harold (Andy) Anderson; in-laws Mae (Dick) Freer, Charlotte (Charles) Hejl, June (Dick) Graham, Donald (Joyce) Englund, Garnett (Lawrence) Grabowski, and James Leet.

Funeral Services for Darwin E. Anderson will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Manistee on Monday April 15, 2024, at 11:00 AM with military honors to follow. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Darwin will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or the Manistee High School Athletic Department.

Arrangements by the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee.