Willis Haldyn Anderson

Willis (Andy) Haldyn Anderson, a local farmer, World War II bomber pilot, Delco-Remy designer, Husband, Father, Grandfather and friend to many has passed at home from complications of a stroke he was 98. Andy is remembered by his loved ones as humble, kind, caring, loving, & a Godly man.A man who loved adventure from a young age, knew the value of a hard days work, and cherished time spent with family. A lifelong resident of Lapel, Indiana he is the son of Wills S. & Edna "Myrtle" Anderson. Growing up on the family farm with his sister Rosemary was the start to a great life adventure. His early primary years of school were spent at Epworth School then continuing on to Lapel High School graduating in the class of 1940. After graduation he started his Freshman year at Purdue University in West Lafayette enrolling in engineering. In the summer of his Sophomore year he voluntarily enlisted in the US Army Air Corps at the age of 19 to honorably serve our country in World War II as a bomber pilot. He was a 1st Lieutenant pilot with the 9th Air Force Bomb Group 394 flying the B-26 Martin Marauder. Stationed in England, Belgium and Northern France, Andy returned home after two tours flying 47 missions over areas such as occupied France & occupied Germany during some of the most difficult days of the war. Upon returning from the war he completed his studies graduating Purdue University in Aeronautical design while continuing to work for Delco Remy. Soon after returning to the Lapel area he would meet the love of his life Ruth Ann at a local nurses social in Anderson. They married in 1955 moving into the family farm house where as a child in the 1930s he worked alongside his Grandfather and Father. It was on this property Ruth Ann & Andy would raise their three children, enjoy visits from family, friends and the many blessings of life. He worked as a designer with Delco Remy from 1940 - 1982. Upon his retirement, he continued to be active in farming. He taught his two sons Jim & Bob many things, the joy of working the ground and seeing the harvest that God would provide. They grew to enjoy farming the land as much as he did spending much of their free time working right alongside their Dad. Andy loved the Lord and was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church where his faith grew and the foundation for the life he lived was formed. He was active at church and enjoyed serving the community with the Lapel Lions. He was a humble man enjoying helping others in all ways of his life using the guiding principle of Matthew 6:3-4 always giving with the intent of nothing in return expect to honor that person and God. Andy continued actively farming even as recently as the fall of 2018. These last few golden years he managed the farm from the comfort of a chair on the back porch. He was always surrounded by family and friends his life was full of smiles, long interesting stories, jokes and many blessings, a reflection of how much he is loved and will be missed. He is survived by his wife of 65yrs Ruth Ann (Braddick), son James S. Anderson, son Dr. Robert (Monica) Anderson, 4 grandchildren Jennifer (Omar) Sebai , William, Maria and Andrew Anderson and 1 great-grandchild Layla Sebai.In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his sister Rosemary Nye, and daughter Lee Ann. Private Visitation and Services will be held at Hersberger-Bozell Funeral Home in Lapel, where Pastor Susan Hobson will officiate. Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery in Lapel, Indiana. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the entire staff at Ascension St. Vincent Anderson and Compassus Hospice for the loving care and grace they have shown Andy and the family. Memorial contributions may be made Trinity United Methodist Church, Lapel or the Charity of your choice. Online Condolences: www.hersbergerbozell.com
. Private Service