Major Robert J. Anderson, USAFR (Retired), of Sierra Vista, went home to be with his Lord, Saturday, the 5th of January 2019, after suffering a stroke. Surrounded by his loving family, friends and pets, he slipped his hand into that of an angel’s and was taken to his eternal home to meet his Saviour.
Bob was born to Robert L. Anderson and Rose Margaret (Simpson) Anderson, March 31, 1958, in Wood River, Illinois. Both parents preceded him in death. He married Dena L. Cox, April 9th, 1983 and they had two children, Elizabeth Nicole (Anderson) Wright and James Robert Anderson.
Bob worked in his early years as a firefighter with the Cottage Hill Volunteer Dept., Cottage Hill, Illinois and progressed through the ranks to become the Fire Chief. He finished his bachelor’s degree at Southern Illinois University and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force (AF) where he became a Minute Man III Combat Crew Deputy. Again, working his way up the progression ladder, Bob was promoted to first lieutenant, then captain and became a Missile Combat Crew Commander. After a few years, he retrained into the Disaster Preparedness/Emergency Management career field, where he excelled at turning substandard units into exemplary organizations. He began at base level units and progressed up to Air Mobility Command Headquarters where he was promoted to Major and concluded his Air Force career. While on active duty, Bob participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Bob’s AF awards include three Meritorious Service Medals, three AF Commendation Medals, an Achievement Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
In the past several years Bob has worked as a Contract Management Supervisor, overseeing numerous contracts for U.S. military organizations.
Bob was an avid photographer, birder and hunter, who loved the outdoors and spent 1000’s of hours exploring the plains and mountains of Wyoming, Utah and Arizona. He supported the Human Society and Boarder Animal Rescue.
Bob is survived by his Aunt Bernadette Foss of Chandler, AZ, Brother Larry Kershner (Jenny) of Roxana, IL., Brother Michael Kershner of Chandler, AZ., Sister Melody Kershner of Chandler, AZ., Sister Casey Melson (Dan) of Phoenix, AZ., His Brother in law James A. Cox of Wood River IL. Brother in law David W. Cox (Shirley) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation/viewing will be January 10th at Hatfield Funeral Home, Sierra Vista, from 5 to 8pm.
Service will be January 11th at Evangelical Lutheran Church, from 10:30 to 11:45, with burial at Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista.
The family has asked that instead of flowers, that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
