Col. Andy H. Anderson

October 12, 1930 ~ November 30, 2010

Full Military Funeral Services for Colonel Howard Hamilton "Andy" Anderson, age 80, of Norman, will be held at 10:00 am Friday, December 3, 2010 in the Fort Sill National Cemetery, 2648 NE Jake Dunn Road in Elgin, Oklahoma, with Chaplain Harry Smith officiating.

A Memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm Friday, December 3, 2010 in The Chapel of the Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook Street in Norman.

Colonel Anderson was born October 12, 1930 in Ames, Texas the son of Raymond R. and Cora Marie (Ward) Anderson. He passed away early Tuesday morning, November 30, 2010 at his home.

Colonel Anderson was educated in Gatesville, Texas, graduating from Gatesville High School in 1946. He later enrolled at Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth, Texas, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. He was also a graduate of Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, Armed Forces Staff College and Aircraft Maintenance and Avionics Courses.

Colonel Anderson entered the Air Force in 1953 and was stationed at Craig Air Force in Alabama, James Connally Air Force Base in Texas, Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas, Glasgow Air Force Base in Montana, Takhli RTAFB in Thailand, Kincheloe Air Force Base in Michigan and Altus Air Force Base in Altus, Oklahoma.

He was was united in marriage to Miss Sally Stevens on October 13, 1956 in Tallahassee, Florida.

In July of 1974, Colonel Anderson became deputy commander for maintenance of the 11th Air Refueling Squadron, later redesignated the 340th Air Refueling Group. He was also a command pilot with 6,000 flying hours in various aircraft. Colonel Anderson has flown 230 combat missions. He has received a number of decorations. Among them are the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters to the Republic of South Vietnam Air Force Distinguished Service Order (Second Class), presented by President Ky in April of 1967.

Colonel Anderson retired from the United States Air Force in February of 1981, however, on March 1st of that year, he was recalled to active duty for a two year commitment. He was honorably discharged in 1983. After retiring from the United States Air Force, Colonel Anderson and his wife, Sally, remained in Altus, where they owned and operated their own business for many years. They retired from the business community, and moved to Norman in 2001. They also spent a great deal of their retirement years in Port St. Joe Beach, Florida, where they also owned a home.

Colonel Anderson was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Altus.

Survivors include his wife of more than 50 years, Sally of the home; four sons; Steven Anderson and his wife, Laura of Colorado Springs, CO; Robert Anderson of Norman, OK; Dale Anderson and his wife, Linda of Norman, OK; and Jason Anderson and his wife, Arielle of Oklahoma City; five grandchildren; Lawrence T. Anderson and his wife, Darlene; Jennifer Card and her husband, Dan; Robby Anderson; Conner Anderson; and Jaxson Anderson; three great grandchildren; Michael Anderson; Anthony Anderson; and Joshua Anderson; and one brother; Bill Anderson and his wife, Marie of Victoria, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews and additional family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; and two sister.

The family will greet friends from 4:30pm to 6:30 pm on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at the Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman.

Memorial donations may by made in memory of Colonel Howard Hamilton "Andy" Anderson to Heartland Hospice, 1923 Atchison, Norman, Oklahoma 73069.