INDEPENDENCE — Michael Eugene Anderson, 78, of Independence, passed away at Montgomery Place on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. His viewing was held at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5-7 p.m. His celebration of life will take place Friday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.
Michael was born on Oct. 2, 1946 in Wichita, Kansas to Betty Emma Anderson. He grew up in Wichita, where he attended local schools and graduated. Michael married Melony Anne Meier on Dec. 31, 1971, in Clarion, Pennsylvania, and the couple made their home in Wichita, where he was employed as an exterminator. The couple then moved to Chanute, then Pittsburg. They finally made their home in Independence in 1981, where he worked at Emerson Electric, the City of Independence Recreation Department, and then Cobalt Boats for several years, where he retired.
Michael enjoyed playing slow pitch softball, where he made many good friends. He enjoyed playing Bingo, playing poker with friends, going to casinos, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, and he was an avid animal lover.
Michael was preceded in death by his wife, Melony; his mother Betty (Anderson) Rodriguez; his father Albert Rodriguez; his brother, Wesley, and his sister, Betty “Jo” Rodriguez; and his great grandson, Dominique Chaney.
He is survived by his children; Kimberly (John) Hamlin of Independence; Charisse (James) Anderson of Independence; Michael (Hailey) Anderson II of Independence; Ashley (Nick) Smith of Coffeyville; Diann (Felix) Hinds of Wichita; Lynette Pena of Ponca City, Oklahoma. His siblings; Mickey Sue Rodriguez; Bobby (Lou Anne) Rodriguez of Wichita; Terry Rodriguez; Tommy Rodriguez; Toni (Richard) Ramirez of Pittsburg; Tammi Rodriguez; and Jakki (Jeff) Wade of Chanute; many grandchildren; great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Special remembrances to Everett John “E.J” Scott, lifelong best friends; to the Dollar Girls from Cobalt; and Timothy Schafer, close friend. The family requests that Kansas City Chiefs gear be worn to the service in honor of Michael.
To leave a special message for the family, visit www.webbrodrickchapel. com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.
