Clifford Kenneth Anderson

Clifford, "Cliff" Kenneth Anderson, 95, passed away on Monday, October 15, 2018. Much as he had lived, he passed away on his own terms; peacefully in his own bed with one of his children at his side. Cliff lived his life to the fullest and he will be truly missed by his family and friends. Cliff was born in Boone County, Illinois on February 11, 1923 to Oscar Theodore and Hilma Sofia (Elgsten) Anderson. He was the youngest of ten children and grew up helping out on the family farm. In 1942, like many young men in the country, he enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after the start of World War II. During his tenure in the military he was trained as a radio operator, but ultimately ended up flying 18 missions as a gunner in the back seat of an SB2C dive bomber during the war in the Pacific. He was assigned to the USS Intrepid and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his effort to help U.S. allies retake the Philippines. At the end of his first tour he married Beverly Jane Wood on January 12, 1945. He reenlisted in the Navy and together with Beverly raised their four children on Naval Bases across the country, even spending time in Trinidad where their 3rd child was born. In 1962, after 20 years of service, Cliff settled in Oxnard, CA and joined the Civil Service. He worked at the Pt. Mugu Naval Base in Oxnard, CA managing access to radio frequencies until his retirement in 1979. As his children grew and had children of their own, Cliff took to the role of grandfather and became one of the best around. He could often be found in his workshop or backyard teaching one of his grandchildren to build or garden. Shortly after retirement, he separated from his wife, purchased a travel trailer and began to traverse North America doing what he loved most- fishing, spending time with friends, playing dominoes and enjoying the freedom to live life his way. He even had a business card made up with a caricature of himself titled, "Have rig, will travel!"  Although traveling, Cliff always made time to visit his children and grandchildren. He would frequently stay in campgrounds near their residences for extended periods of time and taught them how to fish and enjoy the outdoors. In 1991, he moved to Moultrie, GA to be closer to his sister and lived out the remainder of his life in his home next to one of his favorite fishing ponds. During his time in Moultrie, he remained active and loved building, fishing and reading books. In the later years of his life, Cliff was cared for by his daughter Sally and passed away peacefully as she held his hand. Cliff will be remembered by his family, friends and all who knew him as a man of character, wit, charm, integrity, generosity, honesty and humbleness. He gave more to the world than he took, and he left a stamp of goodness on the earth before he left it. Cliff is preceded in death by his parents and 9 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his children, Dawn Miner, Martin Anderson (Laura), Susan Arkangel (Vincent) and Sally Slater. Grandchildren, Kalena, Marla, Vallena, Davin, Malia, Kahea, Kenneth and Erin and 17 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.