Jun 3, 2018

The Rev. Donald Anders Jr., 71, of Charleroi, formerly of Monongahela, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, June 2, 2018, in his home.

He was born October 19, 1946, in Monongahela, a son of the late Donald Sr. and Alice King Anders.

Pastor Don was a graduate of Monongahela High School, Class of 1964. After graduation, he worked at U.S. Steel Irvin Works until he was drafted into service with the U.S. Army April 13, 1966. He performed his basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., where he placed first in proficiency testing and ranked third in his company. Following basic training, he completed his advanced training at Fort Holabird, Md., where he was trained in image interpretation military intelligence. Pastor Don served in Vietnam from March 1967 to April 1968 with the 131st Aviation Company, where he received the Air Medal, three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Army Accommodation Medal.

After being discharged from military service, Pastor Don married the former Linda Reed. He worked as a pattern maker at the former Combustion Engineering in East Monongahela, as well as owning and operating The Living Word Bookstore in Charleroi for 20 years along with his wife. In 1987, Pastor Don assumed the pastorate of Riverside Tabernacle Church in Sunnyside-Gallatin. In 1998, Pastor Don planted a church, Greener Pasture Christian Fellowship, now known as CityReach Church in Charleroi.

Pastor Anders had touched many lives during his life and numerous accomplishments have been accredited to him. A few of those accomplishments include serving in Carroll Township Fire Department, coaching baseball, football, soccer, basketball and serving as Scout leader. He then assumed many responsibilities in the church, including teaching youth ministries and adult Sunday school before becoming pastor.

Pastor Don received his master’s degree in biblical theology from Cornerstone Bible College in Fairfax, Va., and was instrumental in the founding of the Mon Valley Bible Institute in Belle Vernon, where he taught classes.

The family would like to thank all of the friends, family and church associates that have stood beside Pastor Don over the past several years.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Reed Anders, with whom he would have celebrated 50 years of marriage June 29, 2018; two sons, Paul Reed Anders and wife Julie of Charleroi and Pastor Gregg Anders and wife Joyce of Fallowfield Township; five grandchildren, Jacob Anders and wife Amanda, Emily Roberts and husband Everett, Victoria, Samantha and Tyler Anders; six great-grandchildren, Brinnleigh and Everett Roberts, Antonio and Lilliana Martin and Max and Benjamin Anders; two sisters and a brother, Diane Santina and husband David of Carroll Township, Steve Anders and wife Diane of New Eagle and Paula Wukovich and husband Phil of Monongahela; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in CityReach Church, 1006 Fallowfield Avenue, Charleroi, PA 15022. A funeral service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 7, in Christian Center, 130 Charity Lane, Belle Vernon, PA 15012, with the Rev. Tom Harding officiating. Committal services and interment with the Rev. William Lusk will follow with full military honors in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to CityReach Church, 1006 Fallowfield Avenue, Charleroi, PA 15022. Frye Funeral Home Inc., Monongahela, is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com.