Merl "Andy" G. Anderson

Merl G. "Andy" Anderson, 91, of West Riverside Drive, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012 at Carlsbad Medical Center. There will be no public visitation, cremation will take place. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Monday, January 16, 2012, 10:00 AM, at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Gene Harbaugh officiating. A private interment will be in First Presbyterian Church Columbarium, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Carlsbad Veteran's Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Merl G. "Andy" Anderson was born April 18, 1920 in Francesville, Indiana to George Roy and Esther Leona (Doll) Anderson. He graduated high school in Francesville, Indiana. He worked in the steel mills for five years in South Chicago, then he worked at a dairy for two years before entering the military. Andy joined the US Army Infantry in 1942 where he served in Europe and was part of the D-Day invasion at Utah Beach in Normandy, France and was part of the force that liberated Paris, France and Belgium where he survived serious shrapnel injuries. He was the recipient of a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon and three Bronze Battle Stars. After WWII he went to college at New Mexico State University receiving his degree in Education/Vocational Agriculture and Educational Specialist. He came to Carlsbad in 1949 to teach. Andy taught at Carlsbad High School and became Assistant Principal at Eisenhower Junior High School and taught at Sunset Elementary School and Joe Stanley Elementary School while being Assistant Principal. He became principal at Pate Elementary School when it opened and then Mid-High School and Hillcrest Elementary School. He taught at NMSU-C for several years. Andy retired in 1985. He helped to establish Cat's Meow and volunteered for six years. He was also active in local Veteran's Affairs. Andy enjoyed golf and fishing. He was a deacon, elder, co-superintendent of Sunday School and sponsor of youth group at First Presbyterian church. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Anderson and sisters: Leona Grossenbacher and Ruth Phelps. Survivors are his wife, Martha Anderson of Carlsbad, NM; son, Ronald Anderson and wife, Judy of Hobbs, NM, grandson, David Ryan Anderson of Carlsbad, NM and brother, Don Anderson and wife, Phyllis of Granbury, Texas. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 212 North Halagueno Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220 or Noah's Ark Animal Shelter, 5217 Buena Vista, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.