Robert Lee Anderson

Robert L. Anderson, Colonel, USA (Ret.) of Southbury, died peacefully of natural causes April 25, 2020 at his home. He was 94 years old. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many.

He was born in Darien, CT on September 10, 1925, son of Alfred L. and Ruth (Shaver) Anderson. His youth was spent in Rowayton and Norwalk. He was a graduate of Norwalk High School, Class of 1944.

He married the former Evelyn Estelle L’Hommedieu of East Norwalk in 1947. They raised two sons in Norwalk, and were Norwalk residents until 1974, when they moved to Danbury. They relocated to Southbury in 1994.

He had been employed for 37 years by the former Leake & Nelson Steel Company, of Bridgeport, as chief structural steel estimator.

Colonel Anderson started his military career during World War II. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps as a junior at Norwalk High in 1943. He was activated in 1944, and served as a tail gunner in a B-24 heavy bomber with the 453rd Bomb Group (H), part of the “Mighty Eighth Air Force” in England, flying bombing missions over Germany. He was discharged as a staff sergeant in 1945. In 1948 he joined the CT Army National Guard, and was assigned to the 963rd Field Artillery Battalion in Norwalk. He was activated with the Norwalk group in 1950, along with many other local officers. He served in both Korea and Japan with the 13th Field Artillery of the 24th Infantry Division.

Upon his return from the Korean Conflict, he rejoined the National Guard, serving in several units in Norwalk, Danbury, and Waterbury. In 1964 he transferred to the Army Reserve, where he served in several Civil Affairs units in CT, MA, and NY. The Colonel’s last assignment was that of Commanding Officer, 399th Civil Affairs Group in Danbury. He retired from his military service in 1985.

Colonel Anderson was awarded the following during his military career: Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster, American Defense Service Medal, European Theater Campaign Medal (3 battle stars), WW II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (3 battle stars), Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, United Nations Service, CT Army National Guard long service medal. He was a member of the following organizations: American Legion, Post 12, Norwalk, CT, The Second Air Division Association, The 453rd Bomb Group Association, The Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum, The Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., and The Military Officers Association of America. He was also an avid supporter of the American Red Cross blood donation program, having donated 20 gallons of blood over his lifetime.

He is survived by his son, Gary L. Anderson of Danbury, a sister, Myrna Sisk of Southbury, six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Besides his wife, he was predeceased by a son, Robert S. Anderson, of Southbury.

Due to conditions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are no calling hours. A memorial service with full military honors will be scheduled at a later date. Interment will be private. Donations in Colonel Anderson’s memory can be made to the American Red Cross or the charity of your choice.

Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangments. To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

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