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David Earl Anderson, 76, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Known as “Dave” to friends and family, he was a man whose kind and generous spirit touched everyone he met. Whether it was helping change a tire, moving a refrigerator, or sharing stories from the past, Dave never hesitated to lend a hand.
Born on September 27, 1948, in Mitchell, South Dakota, Dave was the adopted son of Roland and Frances Anderson. Though he never met his biological parents, his bright red hair and fair complexion hinted at his Irish roots-confirmed later in life when he discovered his birth father was, in fact, an Irishman.
Dave graduated from De Smet High School in South Dakota in 1966 and enlisted in the U.S. Army the following year. He served honorably for six years, achieving the rank of Specialist, and was a proud Vietnam veteran. Like many who served, the war left a lasting mark on him, but he remained steadfast in his admiration for fellow servicemen and women. In 1970, during his time in the military, he married Wanda Siver, and together they had a son, Tony.
After returning home, Dave pursued a career as an electrical lineman through an IBEW apprenticeship. His contract work was demanding, on call 24/7, and often took him across the country-from Montana to New York-through all weather and conditions. Eventually, Dave and Wanda moved to Red Lodge, Montana, where he continued as a lineman.
It was in Montana that Dave met his second wife, Jean Raithel. They were married in Missoula in 1979 and raised Jean’s two sons, Cody and Cort. In 1997, after the boys left for college, Dave and Jean moved to New Mexico to be closer to family. He secured a permanent position with the New Mexico Electric Cooperative and renovated a classic adobe home near White Oaks for Jean. Dave adored the wide-open spaces and mountain air. When he wasn’t on the job or working on the house, he was often found playing with the family’s chow dog, watching college baseball, or tinkering with cars-his favorites ranging from a vintage GTO to his latest Dodge Charger.
After more than 30 years in the field, Dave retired in 2010. He and Jean moved to Alamogordo in 2014. Jean passed away in 2016 after 36 wonderful years of marriage. In the years that followed, Dave found comfort with Cody also living in Alamogordo.
In 2024, Dave was blessed to meet Kathy Chastain, a widowed neighbor and retired nurse. She won him over with her warmth-and her cooking and baking. They married later that year, and Kathy lovingly cared for Dave through his final year of health challenges.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Frances (née Ferguson) Anderson; his beloved wife, Phyllis Jean Anderson (née Scott); sister-in-law, Julia Scott McVay; and brother-in-law, David Osborn Scott Jr.
He is survived by his devoted partner, Kathy Chastain of Alamogordo, NM; his son, Tony Anderson (Michelle) of Huntsville, AL; grandson, Lennon Anderson of Muscle Shoals, AL; granddaughter, Kathryn Anderson Liles (Coleman) of Tuscaloosa, AL; son, Cody Raithel of Alamogordo, NM; son, Cort Raithel (Megan) of Saint Johns, FL; grandson, Chase Raithel of Saint Johns, FL; granddaughter, Kyra Raithel of New York, NY; sister-in-law, Carrie Scott of Carrizozo, NM.
A private remembrance will be held with close family. Dave had a special heart for young people in the church and often said, “They are the future of the church.” In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Worship Center of Alamogordo.
