Roger E. Anderson

Roger Ernest Anderson, 59, of Hightown, died Thursday, Sept. 18, 2003, at his home. He was born Nov. 20, 1944, to the late Catherine Louisa Anderson and Ernest Theodore Anderson of Dell Rapids, S.D.

He was a member of the Senior Intelligence Service of the Central Intelligence Agency and was recently awarded the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement and the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal in recognition of his achievements, significant contributions and enduring impact to the intelligence mission of the United States. These awards are two of the highest honors presented to intelligence officers.

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) also honored him in 2002 for meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service by a member of the United States Intelligence Community. The NRO designs, builds, and operates the nation’s spy satellites. He also received the CIA Commendation Medal.

His 35 years in intelligence also include a 20-year Army career. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1987. During his years of military service, he had two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, two Meritorious Service Medals, an Air Medal and an Army Commendation Medal.

He worked on the Patriot missile defense system and managed many of the Army’s intelligence and electronic warfare programs.

He was a member of the Blue Grass United Methodist Church and the Blue Grass Ruritans.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ursula Anderson Smith. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Constance Huddleston Anderson of Hightown, his son-in-law, Darren Carl Smith, his grandson, Leif Huddleston Smith, of Gordonsville, Va., his brother David Anderson of Dell Rapids, S.D., his sister, Norma Anderson Ferguson of Ironton, Mo., and his sister, Barbara Anderson Trevithick of Arvada, Colo. He is also survived by 12 nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be conducted by Rev. Richard Gibson and Rev. Andre Crummett at Union Chapel United Methodist Church in Blue Grass at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, 2003. Burial will be in the Union Chapel Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be jack Beverage, Kevin Keating, Rick Lineburg, Dareld Puffenbarger, Herman Puffenbarger, and Houston Smith. Visitation will be at the home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Grass United Methodist Church, Union Chapel United Methodist Church, or the Highland Medical Center.

Arrangements by Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell.