Henry W. Anderson III

Henry W. Anderson III, 87, of 2003 Hunters Ridge Drive, Mason City, died Saturday, February 19, 2011, at the Heritage Care Center. Hank was born March 23, 1923, in Bellevue, Iowa, the son of Henry and Florence Bell Anderson. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1940 and attended the University of Iowa from 1940 1943, when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He earned his wings in Pecos, Texas, and was sent overseas in January 1945, to join the 4th Combat Cargo Groups 14th Squadron at Chittagong, Burma, serving for a time as co-pilot before becoming first pilot. This group supported the British troops in southern Burma. Later the squadron was transferred to Myitkyina, Burma, where they flew the Hump (Himalayan Mountains) into China in support of the Chinese Army. During his military service he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, an Air Medal with three clusters, an Asiatic Pacific Theater ribbon with two bronze stars, and a commendation and Chinese wings from the General in charge of the Chinese Air Force. Hank returned to the United States and was discharged in 1946, when he resumed his education at the University of Iowa where he received a B.S. degree in 1947. On August 15, 1947, he married Priscilla (Penny) Binns in Maquoketa, Iowa. They spent the first year of their marriage attending the University of Iowa for Hank to earn teaching certification and for Penny to complete her B.A. degree. Hank later returned during summers for his Masters degree. In 1948, they moved from Iowa City to Independence, Iowa, where Hank taught high school science, later becoming principal of the middle school. For a time he was also the high school golf coach. In June 1969, he and his family moved to Mason City where he had accepted a position as Principal of John Adams Middle School. He retired from this position in June 1986. Hank was a member of Wapsipinicon Golf Club, Independence, and later, the Mason City Country Club. He was an avid golfer from childhood until his health prevented his playing. He was a member of the American Legion, the Hump Pilots Association, Presbyterian Church, and a former member of the Lions Club. Hanks family includes his wife of 63 years: Penny, and their children: Amy Hightower, Lucy Lowry (Dick), and Henry IV (Kathy). Six grandchildren: Travis Hightower, Christopher ( Emily), and Stephen Lowry, Molly, Sophie, and Libby Anderson.
Hank was preceded in death by his parents and sister: Patience Jane Nelson. There will be a gathering from 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church, 100 S. Pierce, with Rev. Paul Collier presiding. Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or the Humane Society of North Iowa.

Memorials:
Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or the Humane Society of North Iowa

Cemetery:
Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery

Visitation:
There will be a gathering from 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at Major Erickson Funeral Home

Service:
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church