Anson Scott Knoderer departed this life and entered his eternal reward on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Anson was born June 20, 1925 to parents, Zella Vandell Scott Knoderer and Cecil C. Knoderer in Sunbury, Ohio, in the county of Delaware. Anson & Janet Kilbury were united in marriage in Sunbury. Ohio on June 22, 1949.
Anson farmed Ringer Hill Farms, Inc. from 1953 to his retirement in 2003. In 1974, his son, William Knoderer joined him in the family farm operation. Anson received many awards for this commitment to excellent farming and conservation. He received the Regional Tree Farmer of the year for Ringer Hill Farms by the Missouri Tree Farm Committee, was a member of the Stoddard County Soil Water Conservation District and served as Chairman of the Pike Township Road Board. He was also an excellent carpenter and hobby blacksmith, making many beautiful items for family and friends, and an avid fisherman and hunter.
Anson was an active member of the Bell City United Methodist Church.
Anson answered the call to serve his country during WWII. Having joined the Army in 1943 he was sent to Casablanca as an infantryman to serve in the 88th Infantry Division, the “Blue Devils” and was trained for the invasion of Sicily and the Italian peninsula. After the successful allied invasion at Anzio, his company was committed to combat against the Gustav line in the battle for Santa Maria Infante in order to secure the road from Naples to Rome for its subsequent liberation. Having won a battle star for this action, his company was one of first forward elements of the 351st Regiment to enter the Eternal City.
After Rome was secured on June 4, 1944, his Division was committed to the Rome/Arno/North Apennines campaign. The assault of the 88th Infantry Division against the German Gothic Line at Mt. Capello, resulted in Anson's company receiving a Presidential Unit Citation, general order no. 43 War Department 1946 along with his personal award of second battle star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart from wounds sustained September 29, 1944. Other medals and ribbons awarded are as follows: Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman of Rifle, Good Conduct Medal, European/African/Middle Eastern campaign medal, WW2 Victory medal as well as post service recognition by the State of Missouri.
Anson was preceded in death by his parents, Janet,his wife, two sisters, Elizabeth Conant and Elsie Gandt and a niece, Chrystal Conant Blanton. Survivors include: one son, William Knoderer and wife Dawn, of Oran, Mo., two daughters, Elizabeth “Cissy” Williams and husband, Dale, of Oran, and Sarah Moran, and husband Michael, of Deerfield Beach, Florida, nephew, Scott Conant and wife Rebekah and other relatives and friends.
Grandchildren are, Melissa Keller, St. Louis Mo., Matthew Knoderer, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Megan Moran, Deerfield Beach, Fla., Jessica Moran and fiance, Jacob Fischer, Miami, Fla.
Great-Grandchildren are Nicolette and William Knoderer, Cape Girardeau, Mo, Mia Guizani, Deerfield Beach, Florida and Ruby Keller, St Louis, Mo.
There will be a memorial service for Anson, at 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 3 at the Bell City United Methodist Church, Bell City, Mo. The family will be there at 9:00 AM if you wish to pay your respects.
In lieu of flowers, dad would want you to give to: Missouri Veterans Regional Foundation, 2400 Veterans Memorial Drive, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 63701.
The family would like to personally thank the fine staff and volunteers at the Veterans Home. They are amazing people who loved our father, and he loved them. They always treated dad with honor and respect and did their best to allow him to retain his dignity. We thank them.
