Marshall County Farmers Federation President David Marshall Anderson of Grant died April 30 while driving a tractor on Highway 431 near Guntersville. He was 43.The tractor, a Ford 5610 driven by Anderson, was struck by an 18-wheeler. State troopers are investigating the wreck. The driver of the truck was treated and released from a local hospital.Alabama Farmers Federation President Jerry A. Newby said he and farmers from throughout the state join Anderson’s family in mourning his death.”David was a bright, energetic farmer who worked hard on his farm and for the Farmers Federation,” Newby said. “His death is a tragic loss to the Marshall County Farmers Federation, and his leadership will be missed. We extend our deepest, heartfelt sympathy to his family and loved ones.”Anderson, who farmed in partnership with his brother Martin Anderson, served as president of the Marshall County Farmers Federation since September 2004. He was a board member of the Alabama Farmers Cooperative and a graduate of the Ag and Forestry Leaders Program.Dan Smalley, a board member of the Marshall County Farmers Federation who formerly served as county president, said all the board members were shocked by the tragedy.”David was a fine leader and one who led by consensus,” Smalley said. “He came up through the Young Farmers program, and I saw him develop into a fine leader. He loved farming and his hobby was being out with his cows and baling hay.”Smalley said Anderson was active in local, state and national politics when it came to farming, adding that he had lobbied at all levels on issues important to agriculture.”You always knew where David stood on an issue, but he was always willing to listen to another point of view,” Smalley said. “He was the type leader we love and need in agriculture. We are really going to miss him as a leader and as a friend.”Anderson was preceded in death by his parents, John and Fern Anderson.He is survived by three brothers, Martin (Kathryn) Anderson and Von (Carol) Anderson, both of Guntersville, and Ralph (Linda) Anderson of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and two sisters, Wanda (Bob) Stricklin of Florence and Patricia Anderson of Pelham.