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History & Staff
At Anderson McQueen Funeral Homes, we have provided customizable memorial services for many years. Personalized service options allow you to honor your loved ones in a way that is both meaningful and healing. We hope to provide support and caring while delivering memorial services that celebrate life and help families find the peace they deserve.
If you’re seeking an honorable celebration of life in St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas, we invite you to learn more about where we came from, our vision, and the dedicated people behind our work.
A History of Caring
Bill, Maggi & John McQueen
Our Early History
In 1952, John S. Anderson & William F. McQueen established Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home in an old home (now our N.E. St. Petersburg Family Tribute Center) with their personal residences located right next door. As the years passed and their business grew into one of the largest volume, single location funeral homes in Florida, the old home underwent major renovations and additions. Upon Mr. Anderson's death in 1970, Mr. McQueen continued to operate the business until his untimely death in 1987 at which time his three children continued its local ownership and operation.
In 1984, Mr. McQueen and a group of local funeral directors purchased the historic Sunnyside Cemetery. Sunnyside was a pioneer cemetery for the area with burials dating back into the late 1800's. Following Mr. McQueen's death, his children saw the need to further expand the cemetery. They purchased the entire cemetery and developed its second phase. Other adjoining property to the cemetery has been acquired to ensure that the community can be served for years to come.
In 1990, the McQueen family purchased the Tyrone Family Tribute Center to better serve the residents located in the Tyrone and Gulf Beach communities. In 1994, the McQueen family purchased the McLeod Funeral Chapel in the Meadowlawn area of northeast St. Petersburg. Following the acquisition, Mr. & Mrs. McLeod remained with Anderson-McQueen.
In 1997, Anderson-McQueen opened their Cremation Tribute Center. In contrast to the typical off-site, industrial type crematory, this state-of-art facility was designed to provide families desiring cremation with a place to worship, a place to gather and visit with friends, and a place to witness the initiation of the cremation process.
Planning is an integral part of every successful business and family. Therefore, in 2010, the McQueen family spent much time reviewing and planning for both estate and succession purposes. In December 2010, John McQueen, the youngest of the three siblings, purchased the shares of his brother, Bill, and sister, Maggi, in both the funeral homes and cemetery. John and his family remain committed to providing the highest standards of professional care and service to the community.
Our Tradition of Caring Within the Community
While providing the very best in personalized funeral service is our main priority, we know how important it is to devote community time outside of the funeral home. Each member of the McQueen family is active in civic and service clubs, church and other organizations which directly touch our community, including the YMCA, Exchange Club, Junior League, the SPJC Foundation, Museum of Fine Arts, Lupus Foundation and St. Anthony's Hospital.
Michael D. shorter, Jr., cfsp
General Manager
Funeral & Cremation Industry Influencer | Customer Experience (CX) Leader
Michael’s zeal for excellent customer experience and team member development has led him to approach the death care industry with a practical focus and dedication to making unforgettable impressions upon families and staff alike. Michael’s contemporary perspective, coupled with traditions and customs of cultures and communities, has led to successful implementation of effective and relevant operational strategies that yield increase in client-family satisfaction and team member growth and advancement.
Demonstrating his commitment to the communities he serves and the funeral service industry has guided Michael to become a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP). Among many accomplishments and organizational involvements, locally, Michael is proudest of becoming the first Eagle Scout in his Troop’s history and serving on The Rotary Club of St. Petersburg’s Board of Directors. Nationally, becoming an N.F.D.A. Emerging Leader Inaugural Class graduate, a committee member of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, and an N.F.D.A. Advocacy Committee Member have been his highlights. Leading his team to a national Customer Service award (2019) and an industry Innovation award (2021) further exemplifies his zeal and focus. Michael graduated from the funeral services program at St. Petersburg College and serves as General Manager for Foundation Partner Group, overseeing the business operations in Pinellas County, FL.
Traveling, cooking, and spending time with family is how Michael spends his time, usually with his wife, Ashley and children, Michael III & Sarai.
Mykal walden
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Mykal A. Walden, CFSP, joined the Anderson McQueen team in 2021. Originally from Sarasota, Florida, now residing in St. Petersburg, Florida. He has an Associate of Science in Mortuary Science from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service and his Bachelor of Science in Funeral Service Management from Mid-America College of Funeral Service. He is currently pursuing his MBA in Management and Leadership at Ottawa University. His passion for helping others is what drove him into this industry. With over 5 years of experience, Mykal overcame many challenges in becoming a “First Generation” Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the State of Florida.
Mykal is a Board Certified ICCFA Cremation Arranger and Crematory Operator. He is also a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) one of the highest designations that one can achieve in Funeral Service. He is also a Certified Thanatologist (CT). A proud member of the Florida Morticians Association, the National Funeral Directors and Mortician Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association. He is a member of the Epsilon Nu Delta Morticians Fraternity. He is the proud owner of Divine Touch Professional Services a contract embalming service in the State of Florida. When not serving families, Mykal enjoys cooking and spending time with his family and his two daughters: Madyson and Zuri’el. His daily goal is that if he can help one person or one family along the way than his purpose has been fulfilled!
