Charles “Chick” R. Anderson of Boise, age 83, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 16, 2024. He was born on March 14, 1941 in Clinton, IL to Charles and “Bette” (Adams) Anderson.
Chick grew up in Clinton, IL and after graduating from Clinton Community High School in 1959, he completed a two-year course in automotive technology at Bradley University in 1961. Chick enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1962. He attended basic training at Lackland AFB, TX and Technical School for Jet Aircraft Over Two Engines at Amarillo, TX. From 1962-64, he was assigned to Mountain Home AFB, ID as a B-47E mechanic, assistant crew and crew chief. It was during his assignment at Mountain Home AFB when he met his first wife, Carolyn Trautman. They were married and had a son, Kevin Anderson. Chick made the Air Force his career, eventually earning him the title of Chief Master Sergeant. During his career, he and his family lived in Idaho, Texas, California, and the Philippines, with most of his career being spent at Clark AFB in the Philippines. Chick served during the Vietnam War and was a Chief Flight Engineer with more than 8,700 hours and earned multiple awards over the course of 31 years until he retired from the USAF on December 31, 1992.
In addition to his military service Chick was also active in other organizations focused on helping children and improving communities. He was active in Scouting in the Philippines. He led and inspired many boys through their path to Eagle Scout, the latest of which was his grandson, Walter. For his numerous contributions to that organization Chick was awarded the Silver Beaver for distinguished service within the Boy Scouts of America.
Chick was also a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Mason for more than 50 years, sponsoring other family members in the traditions of that fraternal organization.
Sadly, Chick lost his first wife Carolyn, of 30 years, to a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis in August of 1992 shortly after his retirement. After retiring from the Air Force Chick moved from Travis AFB, CA to Charlotte, NC to work with the famous 2011 North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Famer, Charles Carpenter. Chick was thrilled to work alongside Carpenter and be involved in the ’55 drag races. After working with Charles Carpenter for many years, he and his second wife, Brenda (Launt) Anderson of Boise moved from Charlotte to Boise where Chick welcomed 4 stepdaughters and their growing families into his life.
During his retirement years, Chick and Brenda enjoyed traveling to visit friends all over the country and welcoming into their home the many longtime friends that he had met during his time in the Air Force. Chick also enjoyed retirement life by working on his three 1955 Chevys, one of which he had purchased while in high school. He spent years restoring them and loved driving them around town. All who knew Chick knew of his love of 1955 Chevys and his love for Christmas. He spent a lifetime collecting unique Christmas decorations and enjoyed decorating both the inside and the outside of his house. It would take him 4-6 weeks to decorate with Christmas trees and lights in every room. He loved having his children and grandchildren over to interact with the Christmas displays and the life-sized Mr. and Mrs. Santa. He and Brenda invited family, friends and neighbors all month to enjoy Christmas at the Andersons. It was even rumored that at night you could see his house from outer space when all lit up. He recruited all family and friends willing to help in this big production, as it seemed to get bigger and bigger each year.
Chick cared about and helped others throughout his many activities. Lifting people up and celebrating victories, both large and small, was just a part of him. Grandchild report cards and job promotions were met with jubilant celebration. Chick found fun along the way and helped others find it as well.
After a year long battle with terminal cancer, sadly Chick lost his second wife Brenda, of 20 years, in September of 2015. Chick spent his last couple of years living at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise, where he passed.
Chick is survived by his sister Jill Zollman, his son Kevin Anderson, his daughters Debbie Lee, Theresa (Eric) Stanley, Linda (Jeff) Stanley and Sandy (Don) Lee, 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bette Anderson, his former wives Carolyn Anderson and Brenda Anderson, his brother-in-law Greg Zollman, his sister Dixie Montgomery and his daughter-in-law Monica Anderson.
Special thanks to the caregivers at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise for the loving care they provided Chick in his final years.
There will be a viewing at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel, Boise from 4:00 to 6:00pm, Friday, June 28th. Graveside services will be held for family and friends at Cloverdale Cemetery at 10:00am, Saturday, June 29th, 2024.
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