Ernest H. Anderson

Ernest H. Anderson was born in McLeansboro, IL. March 18,1919 to parents Oliver and Edith Anderson. He was the youngest of seven boys. The family lived in Vincennes, IN until Ernie married his sweetheart, Esther Fox in 1937 when they moved to Anderson, IN. They were married 65 years until her death in 2002. They raised three children; Ernest, JoeAnn and Carylon, and had 10 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

In the early days, Ernie worked in Anderson, IN in manufacturing for Guide Lamp and Delco Reme, before entering the US Navy during WW II. He volunteered for service in the US Navy, leaving behind a young wife and two small children. He served in the US Navy Armed Guard Service on Merchant Marine supply ships in the American Area and the Asiatic Pacific campaign. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation Victory Medal.

After his discharge from the Navy in November 1945, he returned to his family in Anderson, IN and attended Barber College, eventually opening his own barbershop in that town. Their third child was born during that time.

Ernie moved his family to Florida in 1950, first to Tampa, and then to Cocoa, where he worked for a local barbershop for a year or so. He then moved the family to Merritt Island and opened the first barbershop on Merritt Island in 1952. The shop remained open until he retired in 1974.

During the 60’s and 70’s, he became interested in square dancing, and went to Caller's College to become certified to call square dances. He was the caller for two local square dance clubs for several years.

His interests were varied. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, woodworking, ceramics, stained glass work, and dancing.

After retirement, he worked part-time at a local barbershop, and traveled with his wife, Esther, in their fifth wheel travel trailer all over the nation (with trips out of the country including Europe, India and Israel).

He eventually returned to work for the Port of Cape Canaveral in their Security Department, finally retiring in December 2001 to be home with his beloved wife, Esther, until her death in July 2002.

Ernie was active in his church, Cocoa Presbyterian Church, for many years, serving as Deacon and Elder. He also served as Worthy Patron of the Cocoa Eastern Star after the death of his beloved Esther, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 65 years.

He has been a resident of “The Place of Merritt Island” for over three years.

His life touched so many people. We praise God for his life! He was loved by many and will be missed by many

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A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 from 10-11am at The Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, 5950 US Highway 1, Rockledge, Florida, , with a service to follow at 11am. Interment and Navy military honors will follow the service in Florida Memorial Gardens.