Dr. Dale Anderson Kilpatrick Funeral Home Ruston, LA Dr. Dale Owen Anderson, 58, passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2011 after a long battle with cancer. Born August 1, 1952 in Pleasant Grove, Utah, he was the son of Fern Thacker Anderson and Robert Benjamin Anderson. He married Colleen Watts on December 20, 1975, in the Provo, Utah LDS Temple. They have seven children: Jeff, Heather, Brooke, Kristin, Robert, Lauren, and Becca. After completing his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Brigham Young University in 1984, Dale started teaching at Louisiana Tech University. He taught in the Mechanical Engineering Dept. and was the faculty advisor for the Society of Automotive Engineers chapter. His students built electrical cars and dune buggies. Dale retired from LA Tech in 2003, and pursued his consulting business. He will be remembered as a skilled engineer and mathematician by any who knew him professionally. Dale dedicated much of his life to service, especially through the Boy Scouts of America. Dale was an avid Scouter and proudly encouraged his two sons, Jeff and Robert, to earn their Eagle Scout Awards. He led troops, planned scout camps, and helped many young men earn their badges and learn new skills. Dale was a lifelong, active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served his local church congregation in many capacities, but his special concern was for the youth of the church. He looked for ways to get the youth involved, and most recently was entrusted with the stake young men's program. Dale took his responsibilities to his fellow church members very seriously, and is remembered as a caring and faithful servant of the Lord. At the end of the day, Dale most enjoyed being a grandfather. His grandchildren affectionately refer to him as “Bop.” He loved tending the babies of our growing family, and playing games with the children. The older grandchildren and children have fond memories of trips to the park, paddling the canoe, and going on long walks with Bop. His grandchildren are: Madison and Jackson children of Jeff and Rachel Anderson; Eero, Jonathan Thomas, Lilia, and Sophia children of Heather and Jon Ward; Collin son of Kristin and Matt Songe; and Kyle son of Robert and Mary Anderson. Dale was preceded in death by his father, Robert. Dale leaves behind his wife Colleen, his seven grown children, and his eight grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Fern, and five siblings: Kent Anderson, Sandy Schut, Gary Anderson, Jenett Green, and Nancy Anderson and their families. Friends and family are welcome to pay their respects Friday, February 11, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston. Service will be Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 10:00 AM at The Church of Later Day Saints in Ruston. In lieu of flowers; the family asks that donations be made to Boys Scouts of America at www.scoutingfriends.org or with your local Boy Scout troop.