True to character, Brent Andersen informed his loved ones and medical providers in recent weeks that he had fought his last fight, that he was ready to meet his maker, following an extended battle with a rare form of skin cancer. In his closing weeks, Brent shared laughs and memories with those who would listen, dearly appreciated visits with family and friends, was predictably stubborn about accepting the pain medications offered him (calling Brent stubborn was like calling a Summer outhouse “aromatic”), and of course, enjoyed final servings of his favorite vanilla ice cream with each and every meal. Brent slipped away peacefully on August 4, 2023 in Murfreesboro, TN. 

Born to Kenneth M. and Jeanne (Rowley) Andersen on September 18, 1940 in Bell, CA, Brent spent his early years in Pico Rivera, CA. A family move to Northern California later saw him graduate from Castro Valley High School in 1958, where a dubious achievement involved three quick speeding tickets in his Dad’s 1957 Ford Pickup. Favorite childhood memories included countless adventures with friends and his sister, and car trips with family. 

His service to our World included early stints as a crossing guard, Boy Scouts, and eventually the US Army. Later in life, he served the Rotary Clubs in both Springfield, Oregon and Las Vegas, Nevada, and on the Board of Directors of Jasper Mountain in Oregon, a haven for abused children. A lifelong Christian, Brent was active with the World Outreach Church of Murfreesboro, participating in small group ministries, the children’s ministry, and media teams. 

Following his Army service, Brent studied Mechanical Engineering at Heald College, leading to a successful career that started with Mothers Cookies (free samples were a favorite benefit), continued with Clorox, and finally Kingsford Charcoal in Springfield, Oregon, where he was Plant Engineer. Family and friends quickly learned there was no other acceptable choice for grilling (although it’s rumored he eventually owned a gas grill!). After retirement, Brent served as a substitute teacher for Rutherford County School District in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 

In his own words, Brent’s greatest blessing was connecting with his bride Dianne in Dothan, Alabama, marrying her on May 30, 1976, bringing Tammy, Lee, Todd and Kevin into his life. Brent was a loving and involved father, held high expectations for his kids, and may have leaned to the strict, even militaristic, with his parenting style. As the kids tell it, whenever the occasion called for a softening of his approach, they may have poured him an extra stiff cocktail or two. 

Brent enjoyed the outdoors be it felling trees and cutting firewood, hunting, fishing, or playing golf. He was an audiophile and movie buff, as well as a proud pet parent of both cats and dogs. Brent had a keen interest in his family’s genealogy, having traveled worldwide discovering distant relatives while tracing history. He was passionate about his favorite sports teams, the San Francisco 49ers and the Oregon Ducks. 

Preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Dianne Andersen, Brent is survived by his sister Carolyn A. Vanderpool and his favorite brother-in-law Derald, his daughter Tammy Ray Davis, sons Lee Mansfield and wife Janine, Todd Mansfield and wife Lulu, son Kevin Andersen and wife Stacie, nephew Bill Vanderpool and wife Hannah, grandchildren Somer Ray Williams, Adam Ray and wife Amanda, Josh Meeks and wife Brandie, Amanda Meeks, Mekia Andersen, Carson Anderson, Nathan Anderson, eight great-grandchildren, and two grand nieces. 

Brent M. Andersen will be interred with full military honors at Andersonville National Cemetery, in Andersonville, GA on October 2, 2023 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s or the American Cancer Society. The family is grateful to the VA Medical System, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and all who participated in his care.

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