Andy Anderson

Robert "Andy" Anderson, 83, of Jackson passed away Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home.

He was born Dec. 9, 1932, in Orchard, Iowa, to David and Rosa Britton Anderson. He and Linda R. Brown-Sterling were married Dec. 11, 1992, in Columbia, Missouri.

Andy was raised in Iowa and was a graduate of Creston High School in Creston, Iowa. He was an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving from April 11, 1952, to Aug. 5, 1954. His area of expertise was air traffic control, earning his credentials at Biggs AFB and Keesler AFB. He later attended college in Arkansas, earning a BS in administration.

Andy was employed 42 years with the Federal Aviation Administration, primarily working in the states of Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas. He was a flight instructor and a computer operator in air traffic control. Andy built several airplanes and was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

He retired in 1993, shortly after he and Linda were married. From the mid-1990s to 2007, he and Linda enjoyed RV travel and primarily resided in the Rockport, Texas, area. They moved to Jackson in 2007 and became members of Cape County Cowboy Church in Oak Ridge and were active in the prayer posse. Over the years, Andy had picked up a knack for wood working and enjoyed serving as a volunteer carpenter when the Cowboy Church was in its construction phase. Until recently, Andy served as a volunteer at the Jackson Senior Center and continued to enjoy working with computers.

Survivors include his wife and best friend of nearly 24 years, Linda of Jackson; three children, Rose (Michael) Altom of the Western U.S., Roy (Christel) Anderson of Kansas City, Missouri, and Russell (Julie) Anderson of Cape Girardeau; Linda's children, Jerry (Sheri) Sterling and daughter Hailey of Jackson and Melissa (Phillip) Wilson and daughter Miranda of Sikeston, Missouri; and Max Johnston of Creston, the husband of a much beloved niece, the late Kae Johnston.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings, Eugene Anderson, Mary Bjorgo and Irene Lyons.

A memorial visitation will be from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

A memorial service will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jim Matthews officiating.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Jackson Senior Center.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.