Thomas M. Anderson

POCATELLO – On May 12, 1943, the Albert and Ora Martin Anderson family was blessed with the birth of their second-youngest child, Thomas Martin Anderson. He was born at his Grandma Muggie’s home in Burley, Idaho. Farming, ranching and a love of western life became his passion.

Tom attended school in Oakley, Idaho, graduating in 1961. Like many brave young men of his generation, in 1966, Tom left Idaho for Vietnam, where he served his nation honorably in the United States Army, and earned a Bronze Star for bravery. Upon returning to Burley in 1968, Tom was the youngest individual in Idaho history elected to serve on a draft board. Throughout his life, the friendships Tom forged with his brothers in arms remained important to him. On March 11, 1968, Joyce Barnhill became his beloved bride. For 44 years they’ve been constant companions, best friends, and even at his moment of passing, Joyce was right at his side.

Tom grew up on his family’s farm, where his dad, Albert Anderson, taught him the value of hard work raising potatoes and beef cattle the old fashioned way before the conveniences of modern equipment. His heart was in the cattle side of the business. Quitting wasn’t a word that Tom knew.

Like the love that Tom and Joyce shared with each other, through the years their family grew and grew to include seven children, fourteen grandchildren and one great grandchild, with another on its way.

Tom passed away on the evening of May 7, 2012, five days shy of his 69th birthday. He was preceded in death by his dear son, Casey; parents; brothers, Kenny and Jack; and sister, Larae. Tom is survived by his loving wife Joyce; siblings, Gordon (Sharon), Colleen Adams, and Helen Anderson; and children, Cody (Joy), Tyler (Ashley), Lisa Zajanc, Amy (Dan), Courtney (Scott) Phillips and Darci (Jason). His grandchildren include Mackenzie, TJ, Nathan, Naomi, Nilee, Jordan, Nicholas, Azia, Kaden, Zac, Jackie, Scotty, Bridget, Zoie and Miah.

Tom held a deep faith that he would be reunited with his family in Heaven. His family was the most important thing to him; he was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. His family is his legacy, and his kindness and generosity are legendary. If we tried to tell you all Tom meant to us, of his goodness, positive attitude and loving nature, fondness of country music, hearty laughs, what a character he could be, and nicknames for everybody, let it suffice that the printing presses would run dry of ink.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where friends and family may call from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. Military Rites will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization. Burial will be in the Marion Cemetery in Oakley.