Thomas Val Anderson

Thomas Val Anderson, "T.A." to those who knew him, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 in a tragic car accident.

Born on Christmas Day during the 1948 Blizzard in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Thomas was the son of John D. Anderson and Eunice M. Anderson. He was the oldest of three children.

Thomas grew up on the Anderson Family Farm in Henry, Nebraska and went to school in Torrington, Wyoming until the family moved to Casper, Wyoming in 1965, where he completed his junior and senior years of high school at Natrona County High School. While there, Thomas was an exceptional athlete, participating in football, basketball, and track. In fact, he was awarded six varsity letters, was an all-state track and field athlete, and he was even voted to be 'Athlete of the Year' in 1967.

Thomas graduated high school in 1967 and went on to the University of Wyoming College of Engineering, where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering. He was also part of the ATO fraternity, a brotherhood that remained strong throughout his life.

Upon completing his degree; Thomas took the position of Engineering Manager for Steel Structures Inc., where he worked for 36 years until Steel Structures retired the business. He proudly created T.Anderson Consulting and remained active until his final day.

In addition to his career, Thomas was active on numerous boards and organizations throughout his life. He was a member of the Wyoming Board of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors since 2009, and served as the chair of that board for two-and-a-half years to include being a member of NCEES. Additionally, Thomas served on the board for Big Brothers Big Sisters for seven years, holding the chair for two of those years, he was also the President of The Casper Country Club in 2003.

Even more important than his career, however, was his family. And that family, like many families, began at The Beacon Club in Mills, when Thomas met a breathtaking young woman named Judith. It was love at first sight, first drink, first dance and their lives would never be the same. The two were married on September 12, 1981. Not too long after, they welcomed their first baby, in addition to Judi's two children from a previous marriage. Creating a beautifully blended family.

His strength and his comforting, loving ways always presented themselves when they were needed the most. When you had a bad day, he just knew, and he was always there with an extra long hug. He was a big man, almost 6'4. But the largeness of his frame paled in comparison to the size of his heart. He was a big teddy bear that anybody could come to for comfort. And many people did.

He taught his children to love unconditionally and to always look at people as individuals no matter the barriers. He taught his children, nephews and many of their friends to appreciate and respect the outdoors by sharing his skills of hunting, fishing, camping and golfing, every moment being a teachable moment. For Thomas, church was the golf course, mountains, or the middle of a creek with a fishing pole in his hand. That was his church. That was his peace. That's where he felt God the most.

Thomas was a devoted husband to Judi for nearly 40 years, until Judi passed away due to complications from COVID-19 in 2020. Around that time, Thomas was diagnosed with colon cancer, which he beat. While in remission, Thomas was diagnosed with Alzhiemers, but he didn't let that slow him down. Thomas lived each day with light and with love, meeting any obstacle or challenge with a positive attitude. For countless people, he was a mentor, a kind and witty soul that would help you with anything at the drop of a hat. He was a hand on your back, guiding you through your next decision. He was a safe place. He was home.

Thomas may be gone, but his light still burns and his legacy remains. He was a wonderful husband, dad, brother, papa & uncle.

He is survived by his three children: Samantha S. Anderson of Casper, Wyoming; Stuart (Brandi) Atnip of Casper, Wyoming; grandchildren, Dallen, Ellise; and DesaRae (Jeff) Janszen of Tampa, Florida; grandchildren, Christy, Jimmy, Cody, and Sydney; brother, Dr. James (Cody) Anderson of Casper, Wyoming; sister, Janet Anderson of Cheyenne, Wyoming; multiple, nephews, nieces, cousins, honorary kids/grandkids, and endless friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, John D. Anderson; mother, Eunice M. Anderson; and wife, Judith A. Anderson.

Services will be held on May 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Newcomers Funeral Home. Following the service, there will be an "epic" celebration of life at the Casper Country Club. The service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.

Thomas Anderson had something of a catchphrase. It was a simple one, just three words. But it became his mantra. Thomas may no longer be here, in the flesh. But he's still around. He's still shining that light and spreading that love. He's still the hand on your back, guiding you. And maybe we won't be able to see him again, here on earth. But maybe we will. Maybe, when we're on the golf course, in the mountains, or standing in a creek with a fishing pole in our hands, taking in the beauty around us...maybe we'll see him there. Maybe we'll feel him. And maybe we'll hear him say, one last time, "Onward and upward."

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wyoming Dementia Care: P.O. Box 1493, Casper, Wyoming, 82602 or to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Wyoming: 400 E. 1st Street, Suite 310, Casper, Wyoming, 82601.

Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer Casper. To leave the family a special message, please select the "Share Memories" option.