Hit-and-run victim Dustin Anderson will have a proper funeral, thanks to donations from multiple area businesses.
Katherine Bader, president of the Fulton Soup Kitchen where Anderson frequently volunteered, announced the news late Thursday.
"I went to the Maupin Funeral Home to see what I could do to help with the funeral costs of the young man that passed," she said. "After speaking with Maupin staff, it was apparent that it would be difficult to raise the funds necessary to provide Dustin with a resting place that befitted his life. Still, I knew I had to try."
Anderson, 31, died in an apparent hit-and-run March 4 while walking along U.S. 54.
"It's a tragedy," Maj. Roger Rice, of the Fulton Police Department, said. "The case is going to remain open, but it's just one of those things."
The driver hasn't come forward, and there seem to be no eyewitnesses, leaving the police little to investigate, he said.
"That car could be from another state," he said. "We have no idea."
There will be a public memorial at John C. Harris Community Center from noon-7 p.m. today. According to his obituary on the Maupin Funeral Home website, a private funeral will be held at a later date.
Anderson is survived by his parents, Don and Teresa Prince, of Fulton; brothers, Joe Anderson (married to Christina Mysliwiec), of Fulton, and Shane Waltman, of Washington, Iowa.; sister, Rachel Prince (married to Ryan Pollock), of Fulton; and nephews, Cayden Anderson and Wade Pollock. He's also mourned by many friends and acquaintances.
Donors included Jamolees, Xpress Mart, Midwest Veterinary Clinic, Casey's on North Bluff Street, Kingdom Feed and Landscaping, Fulton Diner, United Security Bank, Tractor Supply, Sonic, YMCA of Callaway County administrative staff, Maupin Funeral Home, William Woods University's Registrars Office, the 83rd Helpers and several anonymous donors, Bader said.
"I'd like to thank those of you who contributed for being a part of one of the most humbling experiences of my life," she added.
Memorial donations may be made to Anderson's family, care of the Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Blvd. in Fulton.