Vernon Anderson

Vern Anderson, a dedicated law enforcement officer, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, and proud member of the Toole County community passed away on February 6, 2025, at the age of 91.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 19 at 11:00 am at Asper Funeral Home in Shelby with a reception to follow at the Marias Valley Golf Course. The family invites all who knew and loved Vern to join in celebrating his life and legacy. Please visit Vern’s online memorial and leave a message of condolence for the family at www.asperfh.com.

Born on March 8, 1933, in Browning, Montana to J Lee and Mae (Esther Mae Paisley), Vern grew up in Cut Bank. He graduated from Cut Bank High School, attended Gonzaga University, and served in the Army (Korea) and the Navy (Guam). He married Gail (Cebulla) in 1960. They were married for 58 years when Gail passed in 2018.

Vern devoted most of his life to protecting and serving the people of Montana. He began his law enforcement career with the Montana Highway Patrol in 1963. Elected as Toole County Sheriff in 1981, Vern served the county for 20 years.

In addition to his career in law enforcement, Vern cherished time spent with family and enjoyed coaching baseball, track and basketball. He loved every sport he played or coached.

Vern is survived by daughter, Marigail, her children, Kyle (Ronnie) and Alex (Nate); son, Mike, and his son, Billy (Dora); son, Mark (Nicki) and their children, Jarod and Kendall. He is also survived by great grandchildren, Chase, Rory, Anna, Colin, Bryson, Aidan, Edgar, and Avin; brothers, Joe (Melissa) and John (Vicki); his close friend, Myra Schilling, and many other cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gail, daughter, Sheila Mae, his father and mother, J Lee and Mae, stepmother, Mary Louise (Murphy) Nanini, stepfather, Bill Nanini, brother, Robert, and sister, Christie.

Donations may be made to the Logan Heath Assisted Living Activities Department or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.