Edward H. Anderson

Lt. Colonel Edward ""Ed"" Hawkins Anderson, U.S.Army, Ret, age 88, of Gulfport, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2014 in Gulfport.
He is preceded in death by his parents William H. Anderson and Ora ""Bill"" Anderson; his adoptive brother Jimmy Magnasun; and many dear relatives and friends.
Mr. Anderson is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Ruby Templeton Anderson of Gulfport; his son, Mickey H. Anderson and his life partner Don Warren; his daughter, Ann Anderson and her husband, Phil Tidwell; his four grandchildren, Edward and Michael Caudill, Mickey Anderson Jr. and Amy Anderson Lee and her husband, David; his eleven great grandchildren; his five great-great grandchildren; and many other dear and loving relatives.
A native of Gulfport, Mr. Anderson graduated from Mississippi State University and Louisiana State University with fields of study in Electrical Engineering and Chemical Engineering; he completed many management courses, training and certification and training, and was a licensed pilot.
Ed enlisted at an early age to serve his country where he served in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. He was the recipient of numerous military awards, certificates of achievement and medals including the Purple Heart for his dramatic lifesaving efforts of his fellow soldiers in the time of war and the Bronze Star. He served in World War II and the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as a well decorated Army Lieutenant and later recognized for his achievement and promoted honorably to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Mr. Anderson was an established entrepreneur and the owner operator of numerous successful businesses in construction, real estate, fast food, bakeries, precious metals sales and exchange. He retired three times only to start back with new businesses and he worked until the last six months of his life. Ed was responsible for the construction and design of many local buildings that were are built on the Gulf Coast including post offices, military facilities, homes and business complexes.
Mr. Anderson had two books and numerous magazine articles written about him, his heroism and his political and charitable contributions.
Ed enjoyed flying, fishing, invention, coin collections, computers, farming, and sales, constantly improving his education, enjoyed politics, writing, collecting aircraft and boats and was an accomplished pilot.
Mr. Anderson was a St. Jude's contributor and supporter; was of the Baptist faith and a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church, Gulfport; a 33rd degree Mason Scottish Right, El Carbo Broto of Shriner; a member of Kiwanis and Rotary Club of Gulfport; a teacher; boxing coach and a navigator.
Our family would like to thank all of our loving friends, neighbors, Southern Care Hospice, especially Nurse Mike, Aide Sue, Aide Ann, Nurse Tiffany and a special thanks to Ken, Flo, Pete, Bill, Richard and Tom.
There will be a visitation for family and friends on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. The funeral service will be Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport.
Memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com.