Gary Lee Anderson

Gary Lee Anderson, age 86, passed away on November 18, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. He lived a life of utmost service and kindness towards other people. Gary was born September 11, 1938 in Creston, Iowa, where he grew up and was a graduate of Creston H. S. Graduated from Iowa State University in 1960 and from University of Iowa College of Law in 1962, where he was top in his graduating class. Worked in private practice with his father in Creston, Iowa from 1962-64 and elected Union County Attorney from 1964-66. Graduated from Harvard University with an L.L.M. in 1968.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Valerie Anderson; two sons, John and Nathan; sister, Janice Knapp, and two grandchildren, Daniel and Anita Anderson.

Gary was an Associate Professor of Law for nearly forty-one years: The University of Missouri College of Law from 1968-73, The University of Iowa College of Law as a visiting professor in 1975-76 and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Law from 1973-75 and 1976-2009. Gary also was in private practice, part time in his later years, mainly doing Post-Conviction Relief work to help people who believed that their family members were wrongfully convicted and put into prison, who were seeking relief from this, from 2012-21.

The best years of his teaching career were at The University of Tennessee, where he won numerous awards and was a member of the Legal Clinic faculty, where he would teach and supervise student attorneys. He spent much time working with indigent people and his specialty was Post-Conviction Relief work.

He was in avid trout fisherman during the times that he would spend vacationing in Wyoming, he was a sports and golf enthusiast, also enjoyed playing cribbage, cooking and politics. He was a Christian and an avid churchgoer, where he and his wife would sing in the choir. Gary was a family man, and outside of work he devoted his life to his family. 

A very good man whose life was spent serving others in love and kindness. May he be always blessed in Christ's Love.

The family will be receiving guest at St. Michael and All Angels Church, 602 N. Wilmot Rd., Tucson, Arizona 85711, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM with the Memorial Celebration beginning at 2:00 PM. 

Memorial contributions in Gary's memory may be made to the charity of your choice.