Douglas Anderson Obituary

Douglas F. Anderson passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Holladay, Utah. Born on June 21, 1934, in Tooele, Utah, to James Sterling Anderson and Barbara “Peg” Anderson, Doug lived a life full of purpose and service to those around him.

On December 19, 1955, he married his wife, Janet Bates, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in devotion. Doug was a gifted athlete—following in the footsteps of his father and paving the way for his children—excelling as a track star at Grantsville High School and later at Utah State University in Logan. He was the Rocky Mountain Conference Champion in the 440 yard dash and competed at the 1955 NCAA Championships in the Los Angeles Coliseum. He served as president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, forging friendships that would last a lifetime and mentoring countless young men in the years that followed. Doug loved being an Aggie. After completing the ROTC program, Doug embarked on a distinguished military career with the U.S. Army, serving in Heidelberg, Germany, with the 29th Signal Battalion. He transitioned into the Army Reserves, where he held numerous leadership positions, most notably as commander of the 19th Special Forces Group, based at Camp Williams, Utah. A master parachutist with 187 jumps, Doug retired as a Colonel in the US Army—his commitment to service and excellence ever unwavering.

Doug’s passion for education led him to earn a Master’s degree from the University of Utah. He spent decades inspiring students as a teacher and coach at Hillcrest and Brighton High Schools before moving into administration. He served eight years as Vice Principal and seven years as Principal of Alta High School, shaping generations of students with discipline and integrity. Upon retirement, Doug returned to the simple life he loved—hunting, fishing, boating , searching for historical treasures across Utah’s mountains and deserts, and serving as a loyal friend and neighbor in Cottonwood Heights. He created lasting memories with his Grantsville friends at West Yellowstone and Henrys Lake.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Sterling and Peg Anderson; his brother, Sterl Anderson; his sister, Diane Wilson; and his son, Colonel David Anderson. He is survived by his devoted wife, Janet, David’s wife, Wendy Anderson, Blaine (Michelle) Anderson, Tony (Jonna) Anderson, Bryce (Nathele) Anderson, and Rebecca Lucille. Doug leaves behind his grandchildren—Ashley, Stephanie, Danielle, Tana, Kyle, Stacie, Sterling, and Owen—and thirteen great-grandchildren, each a proud bearer of his legacy.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at The Ridge in Holladay for their exceptional care.

Doug was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A viewing will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 noon at the Butler 20th Ward LDS Church, 1845 E. 7200 S., Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121. All are welcome to honor and celebrate a life well lived.