Son of Emil T. Anderson and Cora Florentine Bjorkback. Married to Jean Ann Spohn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Kidwell Spohn of Columbus, OH, on 11 Jun 1947 in Columbus.

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Robert Leland Anderson

Tulsa World, May 3, 2015

1916 - 2015 Robert Leland "Bob" Anderson was born October 30, 1916, in Burdick, Kansas, to Emil T. and Cora B. Anderson. Bob grew up with his rancher/banker father and mother and two older brothers, Ken and Russ. The Anderson Cattle Company, the family business, was once the largest feedlot west of the Mississippi. Bob was a good strong boy who, throughout his life, valued the work ethic and spiritual guidance he received from his beloved parents.

Bob matriculated at Emporia State College and went on to graduate from the University of Kansas and obtain his Medical Doctorate from the University of Kansas, School of Medicine in 1942. He did an internship in Orange County Hospital, CA, and further surgical training at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Anderson did his residency at Ohio State University and completed specialty training in heart and lung surgery and bronchoscopy. At the completion of his residency, he was asked to join the Ohio State faculty. While at Ohio State, Bob met Jean Ann Spohn. They married in 1947, moved to Tulsa and had three children, Belynda, Jeff and Beverly.

Dr. Anderson was a pioneer in his field. He was the first thoracic surgeon in the region and was of the first, anywhere, to perform an aortic valve transplant. He served in the US Army as Head of Chest Surgery at Valley Forge Army Hospital and others. His service spanned World War II to the Korean Campaign. He traveled the world in his duties. Afterward, Bob and his family returned to Tulsa. He resumed his practice and saw patients at the three main hospitals, St. John, St. Francis and Hillcrest.

Dr. Anderson believed that more psychological therapy was needed than was being offered. So, upon retiring, he studied psychology at the Menninger Clinic, opened a counseling office and hosted a radio show on the topic.

A devout Christian, Bob was a member of the First Baptist Church of Tulsa where Christian study became a central part of his life.

An avid golfer, Bob was a member of the Oaks Country Club for over 50 years and a founding member of Cedar Ridge and Indian Springs Country Clubs.

Bob loved to sing and dance and was particularly fond of Big Band music. His quick wit, great sense of humor, warmth and charisma were hallmarks of his character.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father; his brothers, Kenneth T. Anderson and Russell B. Anderson; his first wife, Jean Simpson; and his niece, Karin Wolff.

He is survived by his children, Belynda Spitzer (Weldon), Jeff Anderson and Beverly Anderson; grandchildren, Amanda Settle (Greg), Ann Gimlin (Ryan), and Marvin Anderson; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Wesley Settle; nieces and nephews, Margaret Reynolds, Ward Anderson, Jan Skelley, Lisa Anderson, Michelle Anderson, and Eric Anderson; and wife, Barbara Anderson. - Donations in memory of Bob may be made to the American Heart Association or to a charity of choice.

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Robert Leland Anderson in the U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947

Name: Robert Leland Anderson

Baptism Age: 0

Event Type: Baptism

Birth Date: 30 Oct 1916

Birth Place: Burdick Kan

Baptism Date: 11 Mar 1917

Baptism Place: Hebron Lutheran Church, Burdick, Morris, Kansas, USA

Church: Hebron Lutheran Church

Father: E T Anderson

Mother: Carne Anderson

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Robert Leland Anderson in the U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947

Name: Robert Leland Anderson

Gender: Male

Race: White

Age: 23

Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)

Birth Date: 30 Oct 1916

Birth Place: Burdick, Kansas, USA

Residence Place: Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri, USA

Registration Date: 16 Oct 1940

Registration Place: Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri, USA

Employer: Student U Of K School Of Medicine

Weight: 160

Complexion: Light

Eye Color: Hazel

Hair Color: Blonde

Height: 5 8

Next of Kin: E T Anderson

Household Members: Name, Relationship

Robert Leland Anderson Self (Head)

E T Anderson Mother