OBITUARIES
Henry Anderson 88, Brawley Ruben DeAnda 67, El Centro Toni Escalera 77, El Centro Lonna Fowlkes 73, Former Valley resident Luvenia Harrington 90, Brawley Gerald Koch 61, El Centro Meta Krueger 97, El Centro Dianna McGillicuddy 64, Former El Centro resident Robert McPhetrige 74, El Centro Carlos Santiago 65, Calexico
Dec. 27, 1929 - May 6, 2018
Henry (Andy) Anderson, a true American hero, passed away on May 6, 2018 at Yuma Regional Medical Center at the age of 88 due to lung complications. He was surrounded by family.
“Andy” was born in Oakland, California on December 27, 1929 to Henry and Vendela Anderson. His biological father died when Andy was three years of age.
Andy was raised in Fresno under the watchful eye of his mother and step father Isadore Nelson.
Upon graduation from high school Andy tried working in a floral shop and later a construction company in San Jose. Since neither job seemed to be a viable career, Andy joined the US Navy in 1950.
As a member of the US Navy, Andy was assigned to the USS Carmick (DMS 33) where his duties were described as “mine sweeping” and “shelling”. Before leaving the Navy in 1953, Andy was also assigned to similar duties on the USS Thompson (DMS 38).
After three years in the Navy, Andy thought his military career had finished and he returned home. While at home he purchased and operated a Texaco gasoline station. The service station business did not capture Andy’s imagination so he once again enlisted in the military. This time he joined the US Army.
As a proud member of the US Army Andy completed one tour of Germany, two tours of peace time Korea and two tours of war time Vietnam.
In Vietnam Andy was a leader of men with the rank of Command Sergeant Major. As the highest ranking enlisted man, he was responsible for bringing many men home safely. Andy took his responsibilities very seriously and he often spoke of the many relationships developed as a military leader.
As a Command Sergeant Major with two tours of Vietnam he was decorated with the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver and three Bronze stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.
In 1973 Andy retired from military service to become a building inspector in the city of Newport News Virginia. Later he accepted a position with York County where he worked as the head of the building and zoning department. His final retirement was in 1988.
In 1994 he moved to California where he married Jackie Kellum who would be his wife for the next 24 years.
In his free time he really enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He attended every activity that they were scheduled for from the time they started soccer at age of four up through high school and college sports. He also enjoyed spending time in the desert with the quads/dune buggy, as well as spending time at Campland on the Bay with the grandkids and family.
Andy was proud of his service to the Moose Lodge in Newport News Virginia where he served as Governor. He was also proud of his service to the Masons in Brawley where he served as Master and Secretary.
Andy was preceded in death by both of his parents as well as his brother, Robert Nelson; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He leaves behind his wife, Jackie; five children, Linda Janzick (Walter), Peggy Good, Pamela Eldreth (Jim), Kimberly Carlton and Tamara Garcia (Ermes); eight grandchildren, Eric Janzick, Aaron Eldreth, Amy Eldreth, Jen Eldreth, Stacey Eldreth, Bryan Alexander, Bryce Alexander and Brooke Alexander; three great-grandchildren, Nathanael Alexander, Mason Alexander and Meagan Alexander.
A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16, 2018 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Frye Chapel in Brawley. A memorial service will be held on Thursday May 17, 2018 at 9 a.m. with a processional to follow at Riverview Cemetery where Andy will be laid to rest with full military honors.