Harold M. Anderson

SAN ANGELO An Exemplary Life Lt. Col. (retired) Harold M. (Andy) Anderson passed away on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, at the age of 94. He was born into a close-knit family in Temple, Texas, on June 15, 1919. His family soon moved to Lometa, Texas, where he was raised with his two brothers, Rexford and Marion; and his two sisters, Elizabeth and Barbara. In 1936, Andy went to college at Texas A&M and graduated in 1940, with a degree in industrial arts. After graduating, he moved to Pecos, Texas, and taught high school. In 1941, he was called to active duty for World War II. In May 1941, Andy married Kay Kirby who was born and raised in San Angelo. During the years of World War II, he was stationed in the South Pacific with his division of the 112th Horse Calvary. While overseas, he was selected for pilot training and shipped back to the United States. From then on, he and Kay were stationed in many locations. Andy served his country during World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War and in peacetime. He was always very proud to serve his country and we, his family and friends, thank him for his service. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force and teaching at Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Andy and Kay moved back to San Angelo in 1975. He then taught special education at Edison Junior High School for several years before retiring from teaching. He became very involved with volunteering with the World Bible School Program at the Johnson Street Church of Christ. Andy was the coordinator for this program for many years. Andy and Kay were blessed with two daughters, Sharon Anne Anderson McGovern, who preceded both of them in death, and Andrea Kay (Angie) Anderson Etheridge who now lives in Virginia Beach, Va., with her husband, Harry Etheridge. Also, preceding him in death were his wife, Kay; his two brothers, Rexford and Marion, and his sister, Elizabeth. His beloved sister, Barbara Anderson, who has been his ever faithful friend and caregiver now lives in Georgetown, Texas. Andy is also survived by his grandchildren, James Kirby McGovern of Burleson, Texas, William Anderson (Andy) Wallace of Hillsboro, Ore., and Stacy Kay Wallace Dowd of Floyd County, Va. Andy was the best "Papa" ever! He was very fortunate to have lived long enough to know his great-grandchildren. Andy's loves were his family, friends, church and woodworking. His family would like to express their deep appreciation to so many for their love and caring for Andy: Ruth Montemayor for her many years of devotion, help, and friendship. All the staff at Meadow Creek Nursing Center who cared for both Kay and Andy for so many years. They were like "family". Velma Gonzalez and her team of angels, Bea, Joann Margie, Diana, April, Flo and Monica. We could not have done it without you and he loved you all so much. The caring staff of Odyssey Hospice...wonderful people. And to all his very loyal and loving friends that were so faithful to visit him so frequently. An Exemplary Life We are forever grateful for your exceptional life, a gift to the world and your 94 glorious years during which you shared your magnificent spirit with others. Your life was a blessing to everyone that knew you. You were a treasure, a special keepsake, a remarkable person in every way. You were greatly admired, loved and cherished, and your example of living continues to sustain us today. You welcomed life with open arms, embraced life enthusiastically and were a source of strength and inspiration over the years for many people. You enjoyed all aspects of living with your friendly, cheerful disposition and allegiance to your fellow man in your courteous, gentlemanly manner. No task was too hard to try and no problem was too difficult to confront with God's help. You always offered your support to others. A religious man, you readily shared your positive attitude and sense of humor with everyone you met. You were a fantastic husband, father, grandfather, brother, father-in-law and friend. You stole our hearts forever. Thank you Daddy for being the wonderful person you were and showing me that life can be sunshine, joy, kindness and fun despite its difficulties. Thank you Daddy for giving me a sense of hope, faith and compassion in the human predicament and the courage to carry on. Thank you for nurturing, protecting and always loving me. I will always miss you. Your devoted daughter, Angie Please send any memorials to the World Bible School at Johnson Street Church of Christ to Rust Street Ministries. Family visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at Johnson Street Church of Christ with Dr. Tommy King officiating. Andy will be honored with a full military burial in Fairmount Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are James McGovern, Andy Wallace, Harry Etheridge, Richard Strother, Dr. Rexford Anderson II, Bruce Gary, Bill Harris, Duane Kiefer, Johnny Keating, Mitch Freeman, Paul White, Dr. Ken Rees and Allen Price.