Elmo Anderson

Elmo Anderson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, veteran, and pillar of his community, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026, at the age of 95, holding the hand of his cherished wife, LaVida. Born on September 1, 1931, in Byron, Oklahoma, Elmo lived a life defined by love, service, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

Elmo was the devoted son of Bryant and Opal (Belter) Anderson, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Lynnette Bryant, and his sisters, Ona Gannon, Iris Devine, and Ethel Martin.

He is survived by his loving wife, LaVida Mae Murrow, with whom he shared 71 years, 10 months, and 26 days of marriage. Married on November 13, 1954, in Cherokee, Oklahoma, their extraordinary union was built on mutual respect, steadfast companionship, and unwavering support. Their enduring love was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Elmo was the proud father of Gary Anderson and his wife, Holly, of Theriot, Louisiana, and James Bryant of Ada, Oklahoma. His legacy continues through his five grandchildren; Christopher Anderson and his wife, Melody, of Covington, Louisiana, Emily Robinson and her husband, Alex, of Ada, Oklahoma, Julie Kiker and her husband, Josh, of Ada, Oklahoma, Evan Anderson and his wife, Sarah, of Lafayette, Louisiana and Matthew Bryant and his wife, Kara, of Ada, Oklahoma.

He was blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren; Cassidy Crocket, Morgan Jordon and her husband, DaeJon, Kyndal Shugart and her husband, Broderick, Justin Kiker and his wife, Kyla, Mallory Cheek; Jenna Kiker, Avery Anderson, Aiden Robinson, Sadie Bryant, Amelia Anderson, Kasen Bryant, Adely Bryant, and Hollis Anderson. His family grew to include five great-great-grandchildren: Lincoln Rains, Rheily Shugart, Saylor Shugart, Sutton Shugart, and Rowan Jordon. Each generation is a testament to the enduring love, strong values, and lasting legacy Elmo leaves behind.

He is also survived by his siblings, Tressie Folger of Burlington, Oklahoma; Twila Tatum of Wichita, Kansas; Kay and Joe Hall of Atlanta, Kansas; Mary and Delyle Rowley of Montrose, Colorado; and Raymond and Linda Anderson of Leon, Kansas. They will cherish their memories of a brother whose warmth, kindness, and steady presence touched their lives.

A proud veteran, Elmo served in the Army National Guard from 1950 to 1952. While stationed in Korea, he drove a jeep for a captain. After returning home, he pursued his passion for education and earned a teaching certificate from Northwestern State College. Over the course of a 30-year teaching career, he taught at Geuda Springs, Kansas, and the Helena State School for Boys. He shared his love of mathematics with his students and also coached football and basketball, making a lasting impact both in and out of the classroom.

Elmo’s dedication to public service extended beyond the classroom. He served as Mayor of Helena, carrying out his responsibilities with pride and commitment to the community he called home. His faith was equally important to him. As an active member of Helena First Christian Church, he served as an elder and participated on the church board on numerous occasions. Through his leadership, faith, and willingness to serve, Elmo demonstrated the values he held dear.

Elmo found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed tending cattle, gardening, and working on the farm. He was never one to sit idle for long, always finding satisfaction in a project completed and a job well done. In his younger years, he especially enjoyed fishing and boating. He also loved sharing his wisdom with LaVida, particularly when it came to mowing the lawn.

Elmo had a knack for saving just about anything he thought might come in handy someday. His resourcefulness, industrious spirit, and belief that something could always be put to good use were hallmarks of his character. Known for his warm personality and genuine interest in others, Elmo never met a stranger. He enjoyed learning about the people he encountered and made others feel welcome through his sincere conversations and thoughtful attention. His principles and values were the foundation of his life, and he took great care to pass them on to future generations. He often spent hours at the kitchen table writing letters filled with advice, wisdom, encouragement, and words of gratitude. These letters, like the lessons he shared throughout his life, reflected his thoughtful nature and his desire to leave others better for having known him.

A service celebrating Elmo’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Helena Christian Church, located at 201 3rd Street with burial to follow at Byron-Amorita Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Helena. www.lanmanfuneralhome.com Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

The Anderson family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and healthcare providers who supported Elmo and helped him enjoy a remarkable 95 years, one month, and eight days of life. Their kindness and care are deeply appreciated.

Elmo’s life was one of love, faith, service, and quiet generosity. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on through the generations he nurtured, the community he served, the wisdom he shared, and the countless lives he touched. He leaves behind a family strengthened by his example and a lifetime of memories that will forever be treasured.

Memorials may be made to the Helena Christian Church Building Fund through the funeral home.