Sheriff Anderson was killed in an automobile accident while traveling to interview suspects in Iowa.

On February 22, 1958, Sheriff Anderson was traveling with Deputy Beverlin to Clarinda, Iowa to question two suspects about a robbery at Charlie Clemmons's Liquor Store that occurred at about 10:45 pm. As they traveled on Highway Route 71 south of Shambaugh, Iowa at about an hour after the robbery they crested a rise in the roadway across from the Hill Top Motel. An unidentified car, without it's lights on, pulled out onto the roadway in front of the patrol car. Deputy Beverlin tried to brake but the pavement was glazed with frost and the patrol car fishtailed, sliding into the left lane and was struck by a southbound car. Sheriff Anderson was thrown through the car's windshield and a fender of the car had torn loose, the jagged edge cut him above the right eye, tearing away the right side of his head and he was thrown to the pavement. Sheriff Anderson died within minutes. Deputy Beverlin was seriously injured.

Sheriff Anderson was serving his fourth 4-year term as sheriff and was WWI Army veteran. He was survived by his wife, Beryl, two sons, two daughters, granddaughter, and five siblings. Interred: Miriam Cemetery, Maryville, MO.