Alan Lucas Andersen

Alan Lucas Andersen died at 90 years old on February 13, 2024, in Dallas, TX surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on August 16, 1933, in New York City to Flora and Alfred Andersen. Alan graduated from Garden City High School in 1951, and then continued his education at Dartmouth College. While at Dartmouth, he was a four-year letterman and captain of the golf team, a brother of the Gamma Delta Chi Fraternity, and a member of the band.

After graduating with a Zoology major from Dartmouth College in 1955, Alan attended Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. He wouldn’t become a doctor, however, as an illness during med school brought him to the sick ward, where he saw children with polio in iron lungs. Knowing he couldn’t see patients in pain at work every day, Alan dropped out and returned home to New York. Alan’s big heart – and his love of golf – continued to guide him throughout his life.

It was on the golf course that Alan would discover his true vocation: flying. While he knew why he was available to golf on weekdays, he learned that the men he played with were pilots. And after receiving his draft letter, Alan called up the head of the nearby Air Force base (a golf buddy) to swear him into the Air Force on the 18th hole. Alan was in the Air Force from 1956 to 1965, where he flew B47s and was stationed at Chennault Air Force Base in Lake Charles, LA and Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, OH. Fifty years later, Alan revealed that he flew secret missions during the Cuban Missile Crisis, but would never give many more details because “it’s classified.” He received the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, and participated in the Air Force’s Top Gun, the USAF Fighter Weapons School.

The Air Force not only introduced Alan to his love of flying, but also to the love of his life, Nancy. The pair were set up on a date in Lake Charles, LA, and the rest is history. Nancy and Alan were married for 62 years, and they had two children: Scott and Jill. After leaving the Air Force, Alan and his family moved to Dallas, TX where he became a pilot for American Airlines until his retirement in 1993. While at American, Alan flew the DC 6/7, L188, B727, and DC10. Flying for American gave Alan the opportunity to see the world, inspiring a love of traveling in his family members.

Outside of work, Alan spent his free time on the golf course (to no one’s surprise). He was the Mississippi State Amateur Champion in 1958, the Lake Charles, LA City Champion in 1960, and the Lake Charles Country Club Champion twice. After moving to Dallas, Alan joined the Las Colinas Country Club, where he was Club Champion in 1968 and 1969. In 1971, Alan represented American Airlines in the World Airline Golf Tournament held in St. Andrews, Scotland, where he finished fifth. He was a member of the Texas Golf Association, and he played in six Texas Amateur Championships and numerous other events. Alan’s best golf score ever was seven under par, and he was proud to have had seven holes in one.

After retirement, Alan volunteered for Meals on Wheels and North Dallas Shared Ministries. He was active in his church, an avid supporter of the Big Green, and never stopped playing golf.

Alan is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his daughter, Jill, in whom his love of traveling lives on; his son, Scott, who fulfilled Alan’s medical dream; his grandchildren, Austin, Allie (who continues his golf legacy), Augie, Chloe, and Lily (who followed in Alan’s footsteps to Dartmouth and is inspired by him every day). The funeral will take place at 2pm on Sunday, February 18, at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225.