Laurelville – Groups came together in June to help support a local fallen firefighter, some that didn’t even know the hero.
In a heartfelt display of community support, various groups came together in June to honor and assist a local fallen firefighter, Brandon Anderson, who lost his battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
On April 3, 2024, Laurelville Fire Chief Valentine made a public call for prayers for Anderson, a longtime firefighter who had dedicated his life to serving others and now faced a fight for his own life. Anderson, a Ross County native, had joined the Laurelville Fire Department as a Junior Fireman at an early age. His passion for firefighting led him to become a captain, and he formed a second family among his fellow firefighters, who shared a deep bond of love and compassion.
Throughout Anderson’s illness, his firefighter brothers and sisters provided unwavering support, regularly checking in on him and his family. In response to his diagnosis, the community organized several benefits to assist Anderson and his loved ones financially.
Just two weeks after the news of Anderson’s condition spread, Mam’s Rusted Skillet, a local restaurant, announced a benefit poker run on social media to raise funds for Anderson and his family. The event caught the attention of the Descendants LEMC Roundtown Chapter, a law enforcement motorcycle club.
The club’s president stated, “We did not know Brandon, we wish we did, but it seemed like a worthy cause, one that our chapter wanted to be part of.”
On Saturday, June 15, 2024, over 70 motorcycles roared through Laurelville, participating in the poker run organized by the restaurant and the motorcycle group. Their efforts raised $7,734 to support Anderson and his family. Tragically, as the benefit was in full swing, news spread that Anderson had passed away.
Despite the somber news, the participants pressed on, understanding the ongoing financial needs of Anderson’s family. On Monday, June 17, the motorcycle group, Mam’s Rusted Skillet, and Laurelville firefighters gathered to honor Anderson’s memory. They toured one of the fire departments where Anderson had served, sharing hugs and gratitude for the collective support, embodying the spirit of camaraderie Anderson had always shown.
About LEMC Ohio Round Town Chapter: The LEMC Ohio Round Town Chapter is a law enforcement motorcycle club comprised of active and retired police officers, firefighters, military personnel, EMS, corrections officers, and like-minded individuals. The nonprofit 501(c)(3) public service/first responder organization is dedicated to community service, organizing fundraisers for first responders or their families. The chapter donates 100% of the money raised directly to the causes they sponsor. More information can be found on their Facebook page.
About Mam’s Rusted Skillet: Located at 15842 SR 56, Laurelville, OH, Mam’s Rusted Skillet played a crucial role in organizing the benefit event. The restaurant offered its facility and staff, arranged for food donations, set up tents, and handled logistics for the motorcycle run, ensuring a successful event to honor Anderson.
Official Obituary of
Michael Brandon Anderson
July 9, 1982 ~ June 14, 2024 (age 41)
Michael Brandon Anderson, age 41 of Laurelville peacefully passed away at 2:48 P.M. on June 14, 2024 surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer which was diagnosed on April 2nd of this year. Michael was born July 9, 1982 in Ross County, Ohio to Cynthia and Mike Anderson who survive. Survivors include his wife, Katy (Black) Anderson; Daughters Dekota Lynn Anderson (Tyler) of Zanesville; Mylah Anne Marie Anderson (Luke) of Ashville, and Aubrey Mae Anderson of the home. Son Colten Michael Anderson and Stepson Brenyn Cleveland Ream both of the home. Sister Krista Nicole Justice (David)of Ashville; Sister-in-law Mandy Black of Virginia; Step grandmother Norma Jean Egan, Ashville; Father and Mother in law, Rob and Penny Black, Circleville; Katys grandmother George Nida of Circleville; Nephew Trey Michael West (Heidi) Laurelville who was like a brother to him; Niece Adalyn Reese Justice (Kyler) of Ashville; Niece Ashlee Justice. Granddaughter Brinlynn Marie Skozke and Great Nephew Oliver Scot West, who were both the loves of his life. Michael was also eagerly awaiting the birth of another Granddaughter and his first Grandson this fall. Other survivors include his Aunt and Uncle Steve and Vicky Egan, Laurelville; Aunt Mary, Chillicothe; Great Aunt Sue Ann Hinton, Laurelville, Great Uncle Doug McAbee, Chillicothe, Great Aunt Malinda Perkins (Bill) of Ashville; Great Aunt Lois Strawser of Portsmouth; Great Uncle Sandy Anderson Circleville, Great Uncle Jim Anderson, Georgia, and numerous cousins, friends, and his fur babies. Michael is proceeded by Maternal grandparents Joyce and Roger Egan; Maternal Great Grandparents Curtis and Ruth Hinton; Paternal grandparents John and Patricia Anderson, Paternal Great Grandmother Doris McAbee; Uncle Mark Anderson; Great Uncle David Hinton and Great Aunt Marge McAbee. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, grandson, uncle, and friend to all who loved him deeply. Shortly after graduation he obtained his CDL’s and lived his dream of being a truck driver where he became a mentor and good friend along his journey. He always was eager to help anyone out who needed a handyman or mechanic, or anything done he was the one who would always give that helping hand. He never met a stranger and loved it when a friend or neighbor would stop by the porch or garage to visit. At a young age he joined the Laurelville Fire Department as a Junior Fireman. It was there that he found his true compassion. He loved being a member of the Fire department, became a captain and met his second family; his fellow firefighters who were all like brothers and sisters to him. The love and compassion they have for each other is something rarely seen or even heard of now days. During these past couple of months there was rarely a day went by that one of his Firefighter friends wouldn’t call or stop by just to make sure he and his family were doing ok and didn’t need anything. The family would like to thank the community and fire department for their continued outpouring of their love and support. We would also like to thank Ohio Health Hospice of Circleville for your outstanding care you have no idea how much we all appreciate all of you. A special thank you to The Decendents LEMC for their continued support and partnership with the LVFD that plan to keep Branden’s memory alive.
Visitation will be held at Wellman Funeral Home in Laurelville on Wednesday, June 19th from 12-8 P.M., and on Thursday, June 20th from 12-2 prior to the funeral service at 2:00 P.M. Burial will be held at Green Summit Cemetery in Adelphi.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Laurelville Fire Department PO Box 393 16263 Pike St, Laurelville, Ohio or Ohio Health Hospice, 1170 North Court Street, Circleville Ohio.
Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.
