John S. Anderson was raised with the philosophy of always caring for others and giving back to the community. He attended Marshall Lab School in 1946 and he graduated with a BBA Cum Laude from Marshall University in 1963.
Volunteering is Anderson’s passion. He and his wife, Patty, shared the Distinguished Service Award at the Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner while living and working for INCO in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. In later years, he was a recipient of the National Presidential Volunteer Award during President George W. Bush’s administration. He had been president of the John W. Hereford Boys and Girls Club in Huntington for a total of 18 years at the time of his induction into the Wall of Fame and received the club's highest national volunteer award. He has helped raise approximately $3 million to be used for the operation of the clubs. This included serving 29,000 meals in 2018 for up to 150 children ages 6-18, in addition to providing a safe, drug-free, healthful and educational environment.
Anderson has served as president of the Board of Riverview Manor, a high-rise for the elderly and disabled for the past 26 years. The Manor originated as a mission project of the First Presbyterian Church and has 114 apartments. It provided a safe and affordable home for the residents with many activities and a hot meal provided five days a week at a reduced rate.
He is a member of the Huntington Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris Fellow. As a Rotarian, he has chaired the Steven J. Kopp Rotary Scholarship Committee for many years where a local Huntington High School senior receives up to $5,000 to attend Marshall University. With the exception of 12 years in Pennsylvania, Anderson has been a member of First Presbyterian Church where he has served as both a deacon and elder. In addition, he served as chairman of the stewardship committee, personnel committee, greeter and ushering team captain.
Anderson has a long work history, including seven years at Camden Park, close to 25 years with INCO and 29 years with Stationer's and Champion Industries. He retired as president of Stationer's Inc. in May 2016.
