Wardell Willie Anderson

Wardell Willie Anderson was born on March 2, 1938, in Arcola, Mississippi, to Willie Anderson and Geneva Burgman. Del, as he was known to family and friends, moved to St. Louis, Missouri, at a young age, and he later moved to Chicago, Illinois.
He attended Holland Elementary School and graduated from Richard T. Crane High School.
His military service began in 1954 with the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft jet engineer mechanic at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, and he later enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was a member of Crispus Attucks American Legion.
Del married his true love, Sheila Elizabeth Lemon, on October 16, 1982. He committed his life to Christ.
He had an affection for working on luxury cars, Jaguars to be specific, but his passion was Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He was an all-time fan, win or lose, of the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. Del also loved traveling with and being a chef for Sheila E.
Del had the esteemed pleasure of chauffeuring Patricia Roberts Harris, the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, during her visit to Chicago.
Del will be remembered for his sense of humor and ability to make those around him laugh. However, he was known for dealing with a situation that didn’t feel right to him.
Del departed this life on Friday morning, October 20, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Anderson and Geneva Burgman Ward, and his grandparents, Rosie Lee and Arthur Branch.
Del leaves to cherish his memory: Sheila E, his loving wife of 41 years; two daughters, Jacqueline Anderson Frazier and Latina Marie Lemon; five grandchildren, Kwesi Ajene Walker, Chikosi Kwende Walker, Avicia Chavez Walker-Green, Robert Lee Wheatley III, and Dominic Jason Wheatley; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.

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