Retired Colonel Robert “Bob” Anderson passed away Sept 9, 2008 in Oklahoma City.  He was born June 3, 1929 in Topeka, Kansas to Theodore Cryder Anderson and Winifred (McCollough) Anderson.  Bob spent most his childhood in Tulsa, OK graduating from Will Rogers High School in 1947.  He received a degree in aviation and space engineering from Oklahoma University.  Bob married Helene Wyatt and together they were the proud parents of four wonderful children: David, John, Fred, and Marjean.

In addition to his accomplishments as a husband and father, Bob had a commendable 30 year career with the United States Air Force.  He was a fighter pilot serving missions in Korea and Viet Nam and was the left wingman in the USAF Thunderbirds during the 1954/1957 tour.  After serving his country and receiving numerous medals and awards, including two distinguished flying crosses, two silver stars, and ten air medals, Bob embarked on a second successful career as a life insurance salesman in Oklahoma City.

In addition to his business career, Bob was active in his church and civic activities, including Oklahomans for Children and Families (OCAF), where he served as president for over a decade.  Bob was an active member of the Daedaleans, whose mission is to encourage young people in aviation careers.  He was also involved in Bible Study Fellowship, a Monday morning prayer breakfast, and was an active member of the Life Builders Sunday school class at Crossings Community church.  In addition, he was an active worker in the Republican Party for many years.

Most recently, Bob has been involved in the rewarding work of prison ministry.  Bob loved playing golf and had many wonderful days on the golf course with his foursome, “three Bobs and a Stan.”

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his children David and Marjean.  He leaves behind his wife Helene, son John and daughter-in-law Linda, son Fred, and six grandchildren: Christopher, Brian, Kimberly, Justin, Matthew, and Jonathan, and six great grandchildren.  He is survived by his two brothers, Ted of Las Vegas, NV and Don of OKC.

Donations may be made, in Bob’s memory, to Oklahoma Family Policy Council, 3908 Peniel, Bethany, OK 73008, phone 787-7744, or Citizens Caring for Children, 3317 Wynn Dr., Edmond, OK 73012, phone 359-2695.  Visitation will be held Sunday from 12 to 6 at Smith & Kernke, 14624 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City.  Services will be at Crossings Community, 14600 N. Portland Ave. OKC, Monday, Sept. 15, 2008 at 2:30 pm, followed by interment at Memorial Park Cemetery.

We both love libraries. We have spent huge hunks of our time in them. Over the years, we have both established associations and friendships with library personnel that are among our most rewarding of our lives.

Below are the five cartoons in the Aquarian the Librarian series.

Those Who Are With Us Incident

One particular morning, before I left for the OCAF office, I was feeling particularly depressed. The material I had to view (every day), would make most people run screaming into the street. (And one person literally did.) And there was just so much of it. It was overwhelming.

As I was praying and meditating, a scripture came to mind.

2 Kings 6:16-17 (NIV) – “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

That was a great encouragement to me and so I left for the office with an optimistic attitude. About an hour after I got there, [Name Deleted], the OCAF secretary, and a devout Baptist, came in. The first thing out of her mouth: “As I was praying this morning, the Lord gave me a scripture. The one where Elisha’s servant sees the chariots of fire. And Elisha says, ‘Fear not, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’” I told her what had happened to me that morning and we both danced a little gig.

After lunch, [Name Deleted], an OCAF volunteer, and another good Baptist lady, came in. She flopped down in a chair and said, “You’re not going to believe what happened last night. In the middle of the night, the phone rang. It was my sister in Illinois. ‘Sister,’ she said, ‘I’m sorry to wake you but I just had a dream and I need to tell you about it. In my dream, the Lord gave me a scripture and told me to give it to you.’” Almost in unison, we all said “Fear not, the prophet said…………”

The encouragement from that day carried me for years.

The Agincourt Project (click to view pdf file)