Johnny Anderson

Johnny Vin Anderson, 97, of Crescent, crossed the Jordan River into the arms of his loving Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Johnny was born June 16, 1927, to Vin Anderson and Wilma (Farino) Anderson in Choctaw, where he lived until graduating from high school. With a love for his country and his father’s permission, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945 at the age of 17 and was assigned to the USS Siboney.

As part of the “Magic Carpet” Operation, he was honored to serve by bringing home sailors, Marines and soldiers from the Pacific Islands and was honorably discharged in 1946.

Johnny was a proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nations Indian Tribe and was awarded the “Indian Blanket” for being the oldest member of the powwow for the last several years of his life.

Johnny met the love of his life, Jo Laverne Ellis, while working at Liberty National Bank in Oklahoma City. They were married on Sept. 3, 1949, and were blessed with 75 years of marriage.

Johnny was reunited with Jo 26 days after her passing.

They set a great example of a Christian marriage for future generations. Johnny and Jo enjoyed seeing the world, traveling to 50 states, 32 countries and several continents.

Johnny enjoyed a career in banking that lasted for more than 78 years, beginning with 27 years at Liberty National Bank.

With his first job as a messenger, he progressed throughout the Liberty organization, ultimately being promoted to senior vice president of operations.

He left Liberty in 1970 to become president of First National Bank in El Reno and then became president, CEO and one of the founding members of American Heritage Bank in El Reno.

In 1972 he purchased Farmers & Merchants Bank (now F&M Bank) in Crescent, where he served as president and ultimately chairman emeritus.

Through his thoughtful leadership and support of children and grandchildren, he guided the bank through numerous challenges and expanded the bank to nine locations throughout northern Oklahoma and the greater Oklahoma City area.

He was actively involved in various banking organizations and was inducted into the Oklahoma Bankers Hall of Fame in 2019.

Johnny was honored to be ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Crescent. His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16.

With unwavering faith, dependence on God’s grace and forgiveness, Johnny lived his life as a loving, humble servant of God.

He was a devoted husband, father and papaw. At family gatherings, he often prayed for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to be saved and know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Johnny had a real sense of humor. He loved giving funny nicknames to his family and friends as well as playing jokes.

Johnny loved working in his yard and garden. Johnny was very humble and a man of great integrity.

He will be greatly missed by those who knew him, but they can take great comfort in knowing they will see him again in Heaven.

Johnny was preceded in death by his wife Jo Laverne, parents Vin and Wilma and brother Tommy.

Johnny is survived by his children Terry Anderson (Annie), Patti Rains (Tim), John Tom Anderson (Brenda), Barry Anderson (Wendy), nine grandchildren and spouses, 19 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church, Crescent, at 11 a.m. Monday, June 16, on what would have been his 98th birthday.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Crescent Public School Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 295, Crescent, OK, 73028.