Clifford Joseph Anderson, Sr., 81, of Terre Haute passed away Saturday morning December 5, 2020. C. Joseph was born in a home on South 6th Street in West Terre Haute, August 4, 1939 to Elmer “Peck” Anderson and Anna Louise Ellingsworth Anderson. Survivors include his wife Gloria Bugni Anderson of 58 years, his daughter Lisa Anderson and sons; C. Joseph Anderson Jr. and Mark Anderson all of Terre Haute. Sisters in-law, Judy Anderson, and Shirley Rhodes, brother in-law, James K. Bugni, nieces and nephews; Vikki Sordean, David Coffman, Matt Robling and his children Hunter, Rachel, and Miss Ellie; Jane Ann McCain and her husband Shell and their children, Macie and Shell of South Carolina, Julie Pottee and her children, Evan and Hannah of South Carolina, Debbie Beer and her husband Phil of Noblesville, Jenny Bean and her husband Brian of Nobelsville, Melissa Jukes of Poland, Luke Anderson and his wife Brenda and their son Trevor of Terre Haute, John Henry Anderson of Terre Haute, Dan and A.J. Wallace of Fishers, David, Jennifer, Raelynn, Ryler Wallace of Brazil, Dustin, Chelsea, Sofia, Stella, Garrett, and Ginger Wallace all of Terre Haute. Joe is also survived by his new Italian family; Roberto, Serena, Francesco and Stefano, Davide, Allessandra and Lenardo, Guisseppi, Loredona, Pasqualina, Anna Rita and Elisabetta and several beloved cousins from the Ellingsworth, Anderson, and Mahers residing throughout the U.S. Pallbearers are his nephews; Conner, Keegan, and Cody Sullivan, Trevor Anderson, and Hunter Robling

Preceding Joe in death were his parents, his brother, Brent Anderson, sisters, Eleanor Robling and Lucille Coffman, nephews; Matt Anderson and Eric Brown, brothers in–law, John Robling and Jim Rhodes, a niece, Mitzi Brummett and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was also preceded by Jerome Kearns, Mike Kearns, and Mike Gurcheik. Honorary pallbearers include, Joe’s Saratoga Luncheon Buddies. He is survived by his special friends Schulte Classmates of 1956, and Army Buddies, Don Vickey of MS, Peter and Aisling Osborn of Ireland. Special Doctors, James Hermiller and Dr. Gilkey. Also his loyal clients, teachers, supporters and professor friends.

With the opening of St. Leonard’s, he was admitted when the Priest found out that Joe, who was four, knew his ABC’s and could count to 100. His friend Carla Massa held his hand and walked with him to school because he was so little. Of course, St. Leonard’s was attended by several of Joe’s first cousins. After completing his elementary education, he went to Concannon High School for one year, when Schulte High School opened he transferred there and graduated at the age of 16. He entered Indiana State University that fall but joined the Army in January of 1957 to “see the world”. He was stationed in Okinawa for two years, when he returned to the States he was stationed in Massachusetts. He was assigned to the Intelligence Unit attending classes at the University of Massachusetts and when his tour was completed, he hitch hiked home to Terre Haute. He worked construction at ISU housing while going to classes, He married Gloria in 1962 and did his Student Teaching at Wiley High School in the spring of 1963 and graduated that same spring from ISU. He applied to Indiana University, after being accepted he and Gloria moved to Indianapolis. Joe taught at Thomas Carr Howe for one year. In the Fall of 1963, he began teaching at Crispus Attucks. In the spring of 1964, Gloria moved back to Terre Haute, as he had opportunity to live in the basement of the Law School for exchange of taking care of the law building, he had dirt floors and circus scenes painted on the walls in the area that he lived in. Gloria started her college career in June of 1964 while expecting their third child. Joe drove back and forth on weekends, when he returned he would take leftovers and $10.00 back to live on for the week. He earned his degree, passed the Bar and returned to Terre Haute. He taught at Garfield for one semester. He became Deputy Prosecutor, he left there to pursue the office of State Representative which he won. He ran for the Vigo County Circuit Court Judge against Vigo County Democrat Chair and won, becoming the youngest Judge being elected at the time all thanks to his huge family and loyal supporters. After six years, he went into private practice, practicing with Dick Cronin, Judge Frank Crawford, George Nasser and Larry Fleschner until Steve Fleschner moved here, Judge Bitzigaio, Kenny Levin, and L. Nattkemper. Joe then bought the corner of 300 Ohio Street tearing the existing building down to build the structure that exists today and was joined by Phil Adler where they went into private practice. Joe was always involved in politics, attended many State and National Conventions and was a delegate to many. He was privileged to meet John and Bobby Kennedy, Jimmy Carter and became close friends with Senator Birch Bayh. Joe was Birch Bayh’s front man when Senator Bayh ran for President in Iowa and New Hampshire. Joe was the Vigo County Democratic Chairman for several years. When he was elected Judge the family lived at the abandoned Stead Air Force Base in Reno, Nevada while he attended classes at the University of Reno. He was appointed by President Ford and Carter to serve as Chairman of the National Advisory on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee which took the family to too many cities in the U.S. including visiting the White House Rose Garden as well as Congress the Senate. He received many honorary awards, his greatest award was helping his clients, family, and people in need. He had a love for ISU Basketball and the Larry Bird Team, his brother Mark Bird, Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Mass of the Christian Burial will be Friday December 11, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 115 South 5th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until Mass. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Friar Savio Manavolan will be officiating. A celebration of Joe’s Life will take place at a later date. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to Providence Pantry or Catholic Charities. Greiner Funeral Home 2005 North 13th Street, Terre Haute was entrusted with arrangements. Only air hugs and air kisses please. Masks and social distancing are required. Online condolences may be made at www.greinerfuneralhome.com

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