Robert H. "Bob" Anders Jr.

Chaplain/Pastor Robert (Bob) Anders, Jr went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 18, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Edith Anders. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol Anders; his aunt Deanie Heflin; his brother William (Nina) Anders; his two sisters Pat (Doug) Bastendorf, Donna (Tommy) Seedorf; eleven nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins. Chaplain Bob was born in Martinsville, Virginia on December 10, 1946. As a child, he moved frequently as his father was a SMSgt in the U. S. Air Force. He and Carol met in high school and they married five years later. While the Lord did not bless them with children, Chaplain Bob worked in youth and music positions from the age of 15. He and Carol have many “special children” they have mentored throughout the years. In 1965 he enlisted in the Army serving 2 years active duty and 4 years in the ready reserve. It was during the Viet Nam War and he served as a Chaplain’s assistant at the 249th Evacuation Hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Upon his discharge from the Army, he began his college and seminary education. He graduated in 1982 from the Golden Gate Theological Seminary with a double masters. Chaplain Bob joined the Hawaii Air National Guard in 1984 as Wing Chaplain while serving as the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Nanakuli in Hawaii. In 1987 he transitioned to the Air Force Reserves while serving as the Pastor of First Baptist Church in Orangevale, California. During this time he served as Wing Chaplain with the 940th Air Refueling Wing in California. While in California, Chaplain Bob completed Clinical Pastoral Training to become a hospital Chaplain. In 1995 he and Carol moved to Alabama and he became the Wing Chaplain for the 908th Air Lift Wing in Montgomery, Alabama. The move to Alabama was a call of the Lord. Moving across country with only a reserve position for both of them, they trusted the Lord would provide. Chaplain Bob did numerous temporary duty assignments which included: Critical Stress Debriefings, supporting deployed troop’s family members during various operations, accompanying troop’s during deployments both on domestic and foreign soil and even served as acting command Chaplain during an extend absence of the Air Force Reserve command senior Chaplain. He was a “hands on Chaplain” always willing to go into the field and minister to the troops in their work environment, regardless how harsh the conditions. On many occasions he would roll up his sleeves and take part in the required duties to complete the mission. In 2003 he was selected as the Air Force Chaplain of the year. He soon became a Chaplain at the VA hospital here in Montgomery. He ministered to not only the patients but the staff as well. In 1996 Chaplain Bob was called to Pastor First Baptist Church Pine Level (off of 231). He did this faithfully for 10 years. In whatever role he was in he was always willing to be there for the people he was called to serve. No matter what the location or the time of the requirement, he was always there for his people. Chaplain Bob retired from the Air Force Reserves, his position at the VA hospital, and as Pastor of First Baptist Church Pine Level in 2006. In retirement he continued to mentor those around him, witness to all he met, and complete his Doctorate in Ministry. He and Carol have traveled to all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and the British Isles. Chaplain Bob was best known for his love of the Lord, whom he served tirelessly and selflessly, his generosity, and his sense of humor. Viewing will be from 9am to 10am, with Services following at 10am on Saturday, May 27th at Heritage Baptist Church on Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, AL. The Patriate Guard will escort the body, at the conclusion of the service, to the grave side services at First Baptist Church Pine Level (off of 231) where he will receive full military honors. First Baptist Church of Nanakuli was his first pastorate and he loved missions, so in lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you make donations to Nanakuli Baptist Church 87-1948 Mohihi Street, Waianae, HI 96792 or New York City Church Plant, Jackson Heights Community Church, 63-50 Saunders Street,4R, Rego Park, NY 11374 in his name.