Earl Edwin Anderson Jr., 79, of Plain City, Ohio (5 ½ yrs), and formerly of Hookstown, PA, passed away peacefully at Mount Carmel Hospital in Dublin, Ohio, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on September 19, 1946, in East Liverpool, Ohio, Earl was the beloved son of the late Earl Edwin Anderson Sr. and Iva Ruth Christopher Anderson. In addition to his parents, his infant sister, Ruth Ann Anderson, preceded him in death.
He leaves behind his devoted wife of 59 years, Donna Matchett Anderson, whom he met in fifth grade and was “meant” to be with. Together they raised cherished daughters, Beth Dawn (James) Weikel of Kennedy Township, PA, and Gail Lyn Anderson (Josh Hildreth) of Plain City, Ohio. Earl is also survived by his brother Rick (Patricia Anderson), who shared many of life’s adventures, and his nephews and niece: Rickey Lee Jr. (Tammy); Becky Ann; and Tommy Earl (Tracey)
Earl retired from the Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station in Shippingport, PA, where he worked as a respected MCR for 38 years, and he loved to teach others. As Earl would say, he protected the tri-state area from “nuclear holocaust” every time he clocked in for a shift. Earl was a 1964 graduate of South Side Area High School in Hookstown, PA, and a proud US Army veteran. Earl was known for his unwavering work ethic and tenacity in problem-solving. He was a long-time member of the Hancock County Sportsman Club. Earl enjoyed the outdoors and hunting both locally and out west. He was a skilled gunsmith, reloader, ballistics expert, and rifleman.
He cherished his time with his daughters by teaching them life skills. Earl also coached girls’ softball and supported them by sitting on many benches and chairs, watching them participate in all their sports and activities, while cheering them on.
His talent as an expert woodworker and metal machinist was admired by many. Earl indulged both daughters by making many pieces of wood furniture that they proudly display. He also adored his Yorkies, whom he called “the guys” – Dexter, Winston, BJ, and Gordon. Although they were not hunting dogs, he did find they were quite useful in bringing joy to him and Donna.
Family and friends are invited to honor Earl’s memory during visitation at the funeral home on Friday, March 20, from 2-4 PM and again 6-8 PM. A celebration of Earl’s life led by his nephew, Pastor Rickey Anderson of the Tri-State Community Church, will be held at the Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester, West Virginia, on Saturday, March 21, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Mill Creek Hill Cemetery. Immediately following the graveside service, you’re welcome to join in fellowship at Tri-State Community Church, 300 W. 6th St, East Liverpool.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to donate in memory of Earl to the NRA Ring of Freedom – select the “In memory of” option in the tribute section of the donation form.
