Donald Edwin Anderson was born to Dorothy and Edwin Anderson on Aug. 16, 1936 in Seattle.

He graduated from Lincoln High School. He attended Everett Community College and then barber school in Seattle. He served seven years in the National Guard.

Don married Muriel Maschmedt in 1956. They moved with their two children to Whidbey Island in 1967 and settled on their acreage in Clinton.

Don opened a barber shop in Jack’s Drug Store, and later was hired as a ticket seller for Washington State Ferries, where he worked for 32 years. He was well-known for his wonderful smile and warm greeting.

He loved his farm, animals, fishing, hunting and spending time with his family. He was also known for his beautiful tenor voice in the choir at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Clinton, and at weddings.

After a battle with brain cancer, he passed away in his home on Oct. 25, 2010 with his loving wife by his side.

Don is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Muriel (our Mom); his son Clay Anderson and his wife Candy; his daughter Melissa Newman and her husband Paul; five grandchildren, Carrie Anderson, Chad Anderson, Micah Johnson, Montana Johnson and Hunter Newman, who all worshipped their Papa; and one great-grandson, Nashton Ryan Allen.

Don has gone home to be with Jesus.

Our family wishes to thank the hospice nurses, and the friends and relatives who came to say their goodbyes.

Services will be held at

2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland. Please share your memories in the online obituary at www.visserfuneral

home.com.