John “Rich” Richard Anderson

John Richard Anderson, born March 9, 1929 in Midland, Texas,  marched gloriously into Heaven on February 4, 2021. He married Barbara Clayton Anderson, March 26, 1951, in Hobbs, New Mexico. They had four children, Sally Anderson Bland, Mary Anderson Hutto (deceased), John Robert Anderson (Kevva), and Martha Anderson Wristen (Bert). Rich and Barbara were blessed with grandchildren, John Edward Bland (Christi), Sarah Holt Bland, Rebekah Lee Bland, Brooks William Bland (Bobbie), Clay John Anderson (Krista), Whitney Anderson Fuston (Ky), Sgt. Thomas William Hutto (Jennifer), Bailey Anderson Halverson (Jake), Andrew Cooper Wristen, Kathryn Elizabeth Wristen, and Mila Bustos. Great-grandchildren who were blessed to have known their Great Grandparents, Rich and Barbara are: Barrett Richard Bland, Jace Evan Bland, Karson Mae Collier, Tatum Brooke Collier, Kannan Holt Collier, Traynor Dale Collier, Layton LaDawn Anderson, Harper Lee Anderson, Lyla Quinn Fuston, Krace Owen Fuston, and Meralie Hutto. Barbara and Rich attended the Anglican Christ’s Church, Midland, Texas.

John “Rich” Anderson was raised on a ranch north of Lovington, New Mexico. He attended and graduated from Lovington High School 1942-1946. Rich attended and graduated from the University of Oklahoma 1945-1951. He was a Pre-Law; History major with double minors in Psychology and Sociology. He was a proud member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

Rich was the owner/operator and retired of the Muleshoe Ranch from 1952 to present. Rich was a lifelong learner who would then apply what he had learned. He was a student of Breeding systems, Grazing systems, Production and Marketing programs, General management, and Personnel management (operating two ranching operations in Texas and New Mexico).

Rich Anderson was the recipient of several honors throughout his long life. He was named Outstanding Conservationist in Borden and Scurry Counties; National winner of the National Cattlemen’s Association 1992 Environmental Stewardship Award; Foy Proctor Award, and the Boss of the Plains.

Rich’s affiliations were numerous. His political affiliations were as follow:  Past member of Republican State Executive committee; Presidential Elector 1972; Chairman Borden County Republican Party (30+ years); County/District Chairman for all Republican candidates for State/National office in the past 30 years; Founding member: Associated Republicans of Texas; 12 years on candidate selection committee. Other affiliations included: Director of Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association; Member of National Cattlemen’s Association; Past chairman NCA-PAC; Past member Executive Committee and Board of Directors; Past Region IV Vice-President (TX, OK,& Ark.);Member of NM Cattle Growers; Director Security State Bank, Big Spring, TX; Founder  Board member St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School, Big Spring, TX; Vestry member St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Big Spring, TX; Past Chairman of Long Range Planning committee of Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas; Borden County School Board; 10 years as President Past Trustee of the University of the South, Sewanee, TN; Past board member of Malone & Hogan Hospital (12 years) Past board member of Dora Roberts Rehabilitation Center (2 terms); Board of Overseers of the National Ranching Heritage Center, Lubbock (18 years of service; 3 terms as President); Set up Endowment Fund; Past member of Texas Tech University President’s Council; Past member Trans Texas Heritage Association; Director Emeritus NRHC, Lubbock, TX.

Rich spent his life stewarding the land, guiding his family, sharing his faith, and supporting those whose desires are to uphold the Constitution of the United States. His hobbies included enjoying his family and friends, attending church, watching OU football and the Dallas Cowboys.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 7, at 3:00-5:00pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home; graveside services will be held at the Muleshoe Ranch Cemetery on Monday, February 8, at 2:00 pm; and a memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 9, at 10:30 am at Christ Church Anglican in Midland, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent to Haley Memorial Library & History, 1805 W. Indiana Ave., Midland, TX 79701; Ranching Heritage Association, P.O. Box 43200, Lubbock, TX 79409; Borden County EMS, P.O. Box 342, Gail, TX 79738; or Christ Church Anglican, 5501 N. Midkiff Rd., Midland, TX 79705

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com