Edward Waldemar Anderson III, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), age 64, of Panama City Beach, Florida, and formerly of South Windsor, CT, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, after a brief illness.
Ed was born on July 25, 1961, at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, MA. He attended Norwich University, in Northfield, VT, and Central Connecticut University, in New Britain, CT, where he completed his undergraduate degree. He also received his commission in the U.S. Air Force through the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Program at the University of Connecticut, in Storrs, CT.
After commissioning, Ed graduated from Undergraduate Navigator Training (UNT) at Mather AFB, CA, and became a Navigator on the C-130 (Hercules). Prior to the first Gulf War, he became a member of the 919th Special Operations Wing (SOW) at Duke Field in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. There, he became a Weapon Systems Officer on the AC-130 Gunship (SPECTRE) and then transitioned to the MC-130 (Combat Talon).
He proudly dedicated 28 years of service to the United States Air Force, where he achieved the distinguished rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He participated in many conflicts, including Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield/Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Ed was recognized by the Air Force for his many accomplishments and was awarded numerous awards and decorations during his service. The highest being the Distinguished Flying Cross, which is the highest level aviation award, and the 4th highest overall military decoration, which is presented to our armed forces members by the United States military.
Outside of his military career, Ed enjoyed boating, fishing, traveling, visiting Cape Cod, sharing stories from his years of service, and spending quality time with his family and friends. Ed will be remembered as a loyal and generous friend to everyone and would do anything to help. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 402 and VFW 10555. He was also known to his friends and family as the beer connoisseur! Please raise your mug to Ed! He will be sorely missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward W. Anderson, Jr. and Carolyn Jean (Wilson) Anderson. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Debra Anne Anderson; his stepson, Michael, and wife, Allyson, along with their daughters, Sophia and Izabella; his sister, Karen Mallin, and her husband, Rick Mallin; his nephew, Jared Rinaldo, and wife, Megan; and his great-nieces, Mia and Ellie. He also leaves his very special aunts, uncle and many cousins and countless friends, including his special Musketeers from CT.
Burial services will remain private and Celebrations of Life get togethers will be arranged sometime in 2026, in Connecticut and Florida. Friends and family will be notified so all can attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made toThe Parkinson's Foundation, Fischer House Foundation,Wounded Warriorsor Tunnel to Towers.