Arthur Benton Anderson, Jr., 83, of Orange, Texas, passed away on January 27, 2026, at home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 2, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orange. Officiating will be Father Sinclair Oubre. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, with a vigil to begin at 6:00 p.m., and then a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.
Born on October 6, 1942, in Port Arthur, Texas, he was the son of Arthur Benton Anderson Sr and Anabel DeMary. Art was a devoted family man whose life was defined by love, faith, and generosity. He was the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need, loving others unconditionally and leading with a kind and generous heart. A faithful and loving husband, he cherished his marriage to Patricia Irene Ewing and found joy in the simple life they lived together. He enjoyed vacations with Patricia in Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains, moments that reflected his appreciation for peace, simplicity, and time together. As the oldest of eight children, he embodied the role of big brother. With quiet strength and responsibility, he earned the love and respect of his younger siblings, which is still apparent today.
A true craftsman and jack of all trades, he could make or fix just about anything that needed fixin’. If you needed something, he would quietly get to task and produce it with all the love in his heart. A fixer, a maker, an inspiration of love, kindness, and family, never backing down from a challenge. Known for his strong work ethic, he was hardworking, dependable, and took pride in doing things the right way. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School and carried those values with him throughout his life.
And man could he cook. Biscuits, Ribs, Gumbo, Pecan Pie, Peanut Brittle, Chicken and Dumplings…an endless menu of meals and delicacies made with love.
As a Father of 4 boys, he was the model and inspiration for everything one should aspire to be as a father, a husband, a brother, a grandfather, a friend, and a person. Teaching early childhood lessons such as knowing what a monkey wrench is. The importance and significance of holding the light still. Hold the light still. In your heart. For your family. For your friends. And for the ones you love. Strong and steadfast in his Catholic faith, he lived his life guided by belief, compassion, and service to others. Above all, he was a man with a heart of gold.
He is now reunited with his soulmate, dancing together in Heaven, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion that will live on in all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother Arthur Benton Sr. & Anabel DeMary, his wife Patricia Anderson, and his great-grandbaby Bristol Perry.
He is survived by his brothers, Felix Anderson and wife Karen, and Richard Anderson & wife Janet; sisters, Mary Anderson, Sherry Duhon & husband Mike, Geri Taylor & husband Bruce, Bobbie Ford & husband Lee, and Tina Norman & husband Rod; children, Robert Anderson & wife Anna, Wayne Anderson & wife Debbie, Bryan Anderson & wife Tanya, and Chris Anderson & wife Christine; grandchildren, Derek Anderson & wife Danielle, Ciara Anderson, Lauren Perkins & husband Chevis, Kyle Morgan and wife Melaney, Riley Anderson, Kaitlyn Jones, Justin Anderson & wife Hope, Amira Thomas, Marcus DeLaRosa Jr., Marlaina DeLaRosa, Caden Anderson, Anthony Anderson, and Lucas Anderson; great grandchildren, Brody Perry, Branson Jones, Kambryn Hancock, Landrie Perkins, Wade Shelton, Blake Morgan, Hayes Anderson, Cypress Perkins, Weston Morgan, and Bryson Brown. .
Serving as pallbearers will be Derek Anderson, Justin Anderson, Caden Anderson, Chevis Perkins, Dustin Duhon, and Brandon Keszeg. Honorary pallbearers are Anthony Anderson, Lucas Anderson, and Kyle Morgan.