Lorain “Andy” Donald Anderson of Strongsville, Ohio (formerly of Austin, TX) passed away peacefully on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on June 6, 1940, in Cumberland, Wisconsin where he grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. He graduated from Shell Lake High School in 1958.

He excelled in two successful careers. He enlisted in the US Air Force on June 13, 1962, as an Airman Basic and retired (honorable discharge) on July 31, 1984, as a Senior Master Sergeant. After basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas, he was stationed at Chanute AFB in Illinois, Dyess AFB in Texas, 355th Tactical Dispensary, Takhli in Thailand, Offutt AFB in Nebraska, Edwards AFB in California, Plattsburg AFB in New York, RAF Lakenheath in England, and Randolph AFB in Texas. He developed expertise in aircraft maintenance: C-130 Hercules, F-105 Thunderbird, KC-135 Stratotanker, B-52 Stratofortress, RC-135 Cobra Ball, EC-135 Looking Glass, FB-111, F-111 Aardvark, and the first B-1 Bomber (his favorite). He completed Aerospace Defense Command Noncommissioned Officer Leadership School and Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Award, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Individual Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After retiring from the Air Force, he began a second 22-year career as an Electronic Technician at Tensor. He was Tensor's lead technician in the test and calibration lab, known as the MagLab. Tensor manufactured precision magnetic and gravitational guidance sensors for use in underground drilling and tunnelling. His skill and knowledge were invaluable for this critical role, producing consistent high-quality products day in and day out. Tensor could not have succeeded without his amazing ability to organize this effort with a calm determination. He was always quick to grasp new technologies and processes, and the leadership depended on his ability to handle new engineering requests and always considered him to be a key part of their engineering team.

He was actively involved in his children’s activities, including Indian Guides and coaching little league baseball. He loved animals, camping, country western dancing, George Strait’s music, traveling, talking to anyone, and making people laugh.

He was preceded in death by his father (Donald Anderson), his mother (Edith Stone Anderson), and his sister (Marylou Barkes).

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Barbara; son David (Lisa); daughter Kim (Tim); grandson Hunter (Lauren); granddaughter Emily; granddaughter Janey; great-granddaughter Tanner, and sisters Diane and Lynda and their extended families.

The family would like to thank Michael, Tina, and Sonja for the care and compassion they showed our beloved Andy in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing and reflections memorial at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, TX 79606 on Wednesday July 16 at 6:00pm CDT.

Interment with full military honors to follow on Thursday July 17 at 1:00pm CDT at Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, 7457 West Lake Road, Abilene, TX 79601.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Andy’s honor to The Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinson.org . The Parkinson’s Foundation and the VA have a formal partnership aimed at improving the lives of veterans living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Last Update: Jul 24, 2025 7:51 am CDT