Henry Alvah Anderson Jr.
March 28, 1931 ~ June 14, 2023
Dr. Henry Alvah “Al” Anderson, Jr. passed away June 14, 2023, at the age of 92, surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband to Patsy Anderson for 65 years, and a wonderful father to his 5 children; Carol, Austin, Alice, Alan, and Scott.
Born in Austin in 1931, he grew up in south Texas and was proud to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from UT in the early 1950’s, and as a college senior, was hired to announce on KLBJ radio. During the Korean War, the US Army needed his help repairing tank radios.
Al Anderson was truly one of the Texas pioneers of radio and television broadcast news. He spent three years at KTRH radio and then became the first TV news field reporter hired in the San Antonio market. He worked for WOAI TV for 8 years, as both reporter and anchor, eventually becoming News Director.
In 1965, Al moved his growing family to Austin to anchor the 10:00 news at KTBC and began working on his PhD in Journalism at the University of Texas. Al Anderson developed the UT broadcast journalism sequence, teaching TV reporters for the next 27 years, leaving a legacy of talented TV journalists throughout the country. Broadcast Associations over the years honored him with both National teacher of the year and International Teacher of the Year awards. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1991.
For the next 30 years, Al and Patsy Anderson traveled the world together. They first stopped in Hawaii to expand the reach of Christian radio station KFSH. He trained missionaries to talk on the radio across the South Pacific. After this, he and Patsy settled in New Braunfels on the Comal river.
Al Anderson was preceded in death by his parents, Lois Wilson Anderson and Henry Alvah Anderson, Sr., and his son, Alan Anderson. He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy, and his children; Carol Engelhardt (Craig), Austin Anderson (Kim), Alice Clasen (Randy), and Scott Anderson (Jill). He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Noah and John Engelhardt, Austin and Alex Anderson, Kayla and Andrew Clasen, and Hannah and Hailey Anderson.
Al Anderson was a man of strong faith, which brought him comfort and peace as the Lord called him home. He was blessed with a wonderful life well-lived. Welcome home, Good and Faithful Servant.
There will be a brief, casual graveside service Saturday, June 24, at 11am at the San Marcos Cemetery, 1001 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, Texas. In Lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice.
Services
Graveside: Saturday, June 24, 2023 11:00 am
San Marcos City Cemetery
1001 Ranch Road 12
San Marcos, TX 78666
830-624-0500
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What a great photo! I, too, was one of his broadcast journalism students who went on to a career in radio and TV. What a treat it was to have Al prepare us for the exciting world of media and it was. A true and caring gentleman. Thank you.
When Andy was on WOAI in San Antonio, I met him thru his mom Lois who lived next door. When he came to visit his mom, I would go over to see him. When he and Patsy were married in Austin, my dad and I drove over to the wedding. They served champagne. My dad let me try some and I liked it. He said when I married we would serve champagne. I eloped so never got the champagne. I remember those afternoons visiting with him and know I enjoyed. I left the house next door and lost track of Andy and his mom. Pleasant memories.
To Austin, Kim, Mrs. Anderson and family:
Our family’s condolences and prayers for healing and the peace that passeth all understanding go out to you on Dr. Anderson’s passing. He had a hugely impactful life as a broadcast journalist as Texas navigated the changes of the ‘50s and ‘60s, and a legacy that continues from his long career as a UT professor and mentor to hundreds of journalists.
“Big Al” passed along his values of hard work, excellent storytelling skills, journalistic integrity and in treating everyone with respect to his students, including sons Austin and Scott, who continue to honor your dad through your craft. I’ve learned so much from Austin that he internalized as Big Al’s son, and have tried to pass on that knowledge and those values in my career.
Big Al had a great run. It’s tough to let him go, but we know we’ll see him on up the trail. You honor him daily by how you live your lives.
Rich Tharp
Austin, Texas