John Carl Anderson, 81 of Urbana, passed away peacefully at home at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2009. A private service will be held at Renner-Wikoff Chapel in Urbana on Monday, July 20.

John was born May 3, 1928, in Champaign, IL, the son of Victor Eugene Anderson and Faye Marie Barr. He married Muriel Nadine Johnson on August 9, 1957 in Maywood, IL. She survives. Also surviving are a daughter Kirsten J. (Todd) Lawhead, and granddaughter, Kristina Lynn Lawhead. His parents, brother, and two sisters preceded him in death.

John graduated from Champaign High School in 1946 and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. He worked at Danly Tool & Die in Cicero, IL from 1951 to 1958. He worked at the United States Post Office Headquarters in Washington, DC from 1958 to 1967. From 1967 to 1988 he worked at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, IL, in the Civil Engineering Department, where he was known as the "Energy Czar."

John enjoyed fishing, reading, and music (especially classical and opera). He also enjoyed a good game of pinochle. John was quiet and introspective with a great sense of humor. He was very much loved by his family and will be greatly missed.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Parkinson's Foundation.