Wayne L. Anderson

Wayne L. Anderson, age 73, of Newark, DE, lost his courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease on September 2, 2026. During his 24-year battle with this horrible disease he was always surrounded by family and great friends who showed up to remind him just how loved he was. Born in Wilmington, he was the son of the late Marian (McDowell) and John Anderson.

Wayne was a welder by trade and a member of the UAW Local 435. He earned his welding certificate after 2 years of night school. He spent much of his career working for General Motors and retired in 2006. Wayne also worked many years at Redwood Stables for the Murray family in Elkton, MD where he was always treated like one of their family.

Wayne, was also known as Mule because of his size and strength. He was a gifted athlete at Conrad High School graduating in 1972. After high school, he tried semi-pro football but preferred playing Rec league football and softball for DiMichele’s Brothers where he met some of his lifelong friends. Wayne was a part of the original “Pleasant Hill Crew” named after the neighborhood where he grew up. During his prime, lots of legendary tales were made by the big guy.

Wayne loved fishing, crabbing, hunting, being outdoors and eating- lots of eating. He enjoyed watching his Green Bay Packers win and was a Duke Blue Devils basketball fan even naming his first dog “Duke.” He had an ongoing rivalry with his son, Shane who somehow was a North Carolina Tar-heels fan. He enjoyed buying treasures from auctions and estate sales. He was a great dad and granddad. His grandchildren brought him so much happiness, and being their Grandad was one of the roles he treasures most. He showed up at every activity, every sporting event and dance competition until he couldn’t.

Above all, Wayne’s greatest and most enduring love was his wife, Conne. They shared 53 years together — a beautiful love story of more than half a century of marriage, family, laughter, memories, and challenges. No matter what life threw at them, they walked the path together hand and hand. His love was as strong and unwavering as the man himself.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 53 years, Constance Anderson; his children and their spouses, Sunny and Ernie Melvin, Shiloh and James Fromal, and Shane and Jennifer Anderson; his grandchildren, Cooper, Wesley, McKenzie, Sierra, Laila, Belen, Kendyl, and Beau; his siblings, John “Jack” (Mary) Anderson, Roger (Kim) Anderson, and Ron (Dee) Anderson; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 16th from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, located at Clayton and Cedar Streets, Wilmington, DE. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 A.M. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Wayne’s courageous 24-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, the family suggests contributions to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.