Louis Earl (Louie) Anderson unexpectedly passed from this life on June 4, 2026 in Laguna Woods, California, at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife, Donna, 5 children: Louie Jr. (Valarie), Tom (Jennifer), Edie Crabtree (BJ), Kathy Broadwater, and Tami (Cynthia); 3 stepchildren: Scott Bradshaw (Brenda), Kevin Bradshaw (Joanna), and Michelle Bradshaw (Lori); 26 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judi, his parents, Earl and Maxine, his stepmother, Jean, and his sister, Lynne.

Louie was born August 30, 1943, at Sargent Maternity Hospital in Santa Ana, California and lived the majority of his life in Orange County. He attended Wilson Elementary School, Willard Intermediate School, and Santa Ana High School, graduating in 1961.

Louie served as a chaplain’s aide in the United States Army, going through basic training at Fort Hood, Texas and deploying to Vietnam, where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. This military service was one of many outward evidences of his great love for America and the freedoms we enjoy here.

Louie was also very dedicated to his faith, which led to a life filled with service. If he heard about anyone who needed help that he thought he could provide, he always tried to find a way to get it done. If there were people moving into or out of his congregation, he would borrow a flatbed truck from work and use it to help get the job done more quickly and efficiently.

Another part of Louie’s dedication to service was blood donation. He was a regular at the Red Cross, donating again as soon as he was eligible after each donation for close to 60 years. While records are unclear on the actual total, the family estimates that he donated over 50 gallons of blood in his lifetime, a pint at a time.

Louie followed in his father’s footsteps and worked his entire career in the concrete construction industry, where he filled many roles – apprentice, laborer, journeyman, foreman, supervisor, and estimator. He only worked for two companies in his 50+ years in construction – Quirk Company and Fullmer Construction.

Louie always said there was no such thing as a stranger, only friends that he didn’t know yet. He proved that by going out of his way to start conversations with many of those unmet friends, sometimes very loudly and in his own unique style.

Louie was also unafraid to show emotions and did so often. He said that a man showing emotion was a sign of strength, not weakness. The family believes that, if this is true, he was certainly one of the strongest men ever.

Louie will be laid to rest with military honors in a private family service at Riverside National Cemetery. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Louie’s name to the Orange County Red Cross. 

American Red Cross Donation Link