Anita Lamae Colgan

Anita Lamae (Allen) Colgan, our beloved "Mom" to four generations of our family, and a World War II home front heroine, 88, passed away quietly on April 13, 2012. She, husband and family, have lived on the "Emerald Coast" in Northwest Florida since 1972, moving from Hawaii.
Daughter of John and Sadie Allen, Anita was born and grew up in Waycross, Ga. She was a majorette and honor student in high school and college at Valdosta State. In July 1943, during World War II, she married hometown sweetheart, Bill Colgan, a fighter pilot, USAAF. While he was in combat in Europe she chose home front war work. At age 20 she replaced a man as night manager of the Western Union in Waycross, which serviced an entire county, a major rail center, several war industries and an Army Air Field. And in World War II (before fax, online, email, etc.) telegrams were crucial to the war effort and between troops and their loved ones. She did this each night, alone, except for one helper, a young fellow, Pernell Roberts (later of movie/TV fame), who delivered telegrams. She was first to see incoming war casualty telegrams - many naming friends/classmates - and the next one in could be addressed to her, naming her husband or brother.
She performed a major role in war communications, and her job was a key link in the wartime lives of many people and troops. After the war, her husband back home, she continued a heroine as a wife and mother in a career military family with duty stations in the USA, Europe and the Pacific. Twice more she held the family home front during wars - her husband to Korea and Vietnam.
She took a cherished part in the "military family" - volunteer in chapel, school, youth activities and wives clubs - Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., 1950s, a favorite base/community, and a wealth of treasured friends. Retirement was equally busy and dear. She was a life-long church member; also, WOW, FMB Elkettes, River Rats, Eglin Yacht Club, Eglin and Fort Walton Beach Golf and others.
Always supreme was her love and devotion to her own family, with "us just being together" the most treasured time of all. And, Mom, we, every one of your family, love you so very much, and always will.
Anita Colgan is featured in "Home Front America" at the National World War II Memorial, Washington, D.C., and with her picture in the Memorial's Special 2004 Calendar "Tribute to a Generation." She also is in the World War II Home Front National Historical Park, Richmond, Calif.: and with her husband in the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame, Warner Robins, Ga.
Her son, William B. Colgan Jr.; and brother, John L. Allen, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Col. William B. Colgan, USAF (Ret.); daughter, Sandra Colgan; grandson, Dallas E. Lowe; granddaughter, Heather Magouirk; and six great-grandchildren.
Special thanks to the wonderful people at the Wellington Place of FWB, Parthenon Healthcare of FWB, FWB Medical Center, and Regency Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations to charities that benefit young children will be appreciated.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 20, at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of the Cross CLE Episcopal Church, 100 Jonquil Ave. N.W., Fort Walton Beach. Fla.
Heritage Gardens Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.