LTC(Ret) Phil Crail Anderson

LTC(Ret) PHIL CRAIL ANDERSON
DECEMBER 15, 1936-NOVEMBER 4 2023
Phil was born December 15, 1936 in Fairfield, Iowa to the late Waldomere Augusta Anderson and Margaret Elizabeth Crail. At the age of 7 he and his family moved to Pharr San Juan, Texas after his Dad bought a small newspaper firm. The Monitor. He attended primary and high school in Texas and then entered Texas A & I college to study Animal Husbandry. His folks moved to Santa Cruz, CA to be close to aging parents. When he was a junior in college he transferred to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
At the request of his father, he joined ROTC. He graduated from college in 1960, with a degree in Animal Husbandry and immediately entered the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant, Infantry on January 31, 1960.
During his college years he was on the rodeo team. He was able to pay for his college education by being on the team as a Bull Rider.
He had a illustrious and successful military career. He was an Infantry Officer, Operations and Forces Development Officer, Professor of Military Science, Nuclear Chemical Target Analyst Advisor, Parachutist and Special Forces. His assignments included Fort Benning, GA, Fort Bragg, NC, Germany, Okinawa, Vietnam X3, St John's Military Academy, Delefield, WI, Washington, DC, Ft Hood, Texas, and final assignment Fort Monroe, VA. His awards included the Bronze Star, with OLC, Meritories Service Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal X2, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Star and 4 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit X4, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Vietnam Civil Units Citation, Vietnam Unit Citation Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Badge with Pistol Bar and Legion of Merit. Schools included, but not limited too, Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses and Army Command General and Staff College.
On February 25, 1967, Phil married Capt. Billie Marie Rimmer, an Army Nurse, in the Chapel at Fort Benning, GA. Billie was the love of his life as he told everyone. He retired from the Army 1979 at Fort Monroe, VA. He had several careers after retirement including butcher in Colorado, teaching ROTC in Denver, CO and Nuremberg, Germany, and a federal Employee. At the age of 60 no he went to work with Delta Air Lines, in Salt Lake, Utah. and retired February 27, 2010. After his wife retired from nursing in 2013, they moved to Kingwood, Texas to be close to daughter, Amy and grandchildren Isabella and Greyson.
He is survived by his wife, Billie, son Mark Anderson and wife (Dustin) t), daughter Robyn and husband (Raymond ) and daughter Amy. He has 8 grandchildren, Seger, Sabastian, Zachary and( Abbie ) Victoria and (Conner ) Gabrielle, Isabella and Greyson. An expected great grandson in January 2024.
Other family includes, sisters-in-law: Jean, and Jessica and (Gary). Uncle Robert and Aunts Joyce and Barbara, Cousins: Shirley and Johnny and Laurie and Robert. He also included his church, golf and Barrington neighborhood his family.
He was a good man with faith in God, family and friends.. He was a quiet man, a man of integrity, a loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved planning and taking trips with all the family. He took up golf in 2016 and enjoyed playing the game and meeting new friends. In October he was able get a score of 49 and he was motivated to try and get a lower score.
Phil passed into the loving arms of his Father on November 4, 2023 at the age of 86. He had a good and happy life and a peaceful death.
The family would like to thank all of the family and many friends who have supported and loved us through this journey and pray you will find comfort and joy that comes from knowing Phil is now celebrating with his Lord and Savior.
In lieu of flowers the family request that you send memorial gifts to to Christ The King Lutheran Church, 3803 W Lake Houston Pkwy Kingwood, Texas. 77339
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me. " Psalm 23:4