June 24, 1959 - March 14, 2023
Derrick Paul “Buck” Anderson, 63, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2023 following a 3 month illness. He was born June 24, 1959 into the loving family of Leland “Andy” and Enid Anderson. He married the love of his life, Juanita Clark, in September of 2005. Buck was a 1977 graduate of Topeka High School. He was employed by the Kansas Turnpike Authority until 2017 at which he enjoyed greeting travelers, encouraged them to be safe, and handed treats out to their pets.
Buck was an outgoing, good hearted and compassionate person who loved people. He delighted in having fun with his many nieces and nephews as well as the family pets. Buck was unique in that he never forgot an address or phone number and could do math in his head like a calculator. He was a passionate and loyal sports fan of Washburn University, UCLA, the Denver Broncos and the Boston Celtics. Buck personally knew each member of the Washburn University girls basketball and volleyball teams. He would offer encouragement to them and help out whenever the opportunity presented. Buck was an excellent bowler. He scored 300 in multiple games and achieved many awards. He cherished his time on the golf course with his brother and high school friends. After retirement and up to his illness he played golf almost daily with a great group that became close-knit friends. He will be dearly missed by family and many that loved him.
Buck is survived by his wife of 17 years, Juanita (Clark) Anderson, siblings Susan (Mit) Winter, Patrick (Sharon) Anderson, Kristen (Bob) White, Sharon Jones, all of Topeka, sister-in-law Terri Clark of Washington Kansas,14 nieces and nephews, 26 great nieces and nephews and his beloved dog Hondo. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Jerry Jones and Jim Clark, nephew Dustin Jones and his dog, Abby.
A Celebration of Buck’s Life will be held on Saturday April 22, 2023 at 10:00 am at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 4746 SW 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66604. Private family inurnment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, for those who would like to make a donation honoring Buck, we encourage you to give a gift in Buck’s name to the Washburn University L.A. “Andy”, Enid I., and Derrick P. “Buck” Anderson Family Scholarship Fund (www.wualumni.org/givenow) or Derrick “Buck” Anderson Memorial Fund (c/o CoreFirst Bank & Trust, PO Box 5049, Topeka, KS 66605). Please designate “Washburn Scholarship Fund” or “other” if sending your donation to CoreFirst.
