Robert Merrill Anderson of Aurora, CO “slipped the surly bonds of earth” on the evening of July 1, 2026 at the age of 83. He was born May 11,1943 in Hastings, Nebraska. The family moved to Colorado Springs, Bob attended Palmer High School and Colorado State College in Greely, CO where he was named an ROTC Distinguished Graduate with a commission as 2nd Lieutenant, U.S.A.F. Reserve. He was assigned to Laughlin AFB, Texas and entered Class 67-C Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training. Bob served his country for 24 years and retired with the commission of Lieutenant Colonel. After retiring from the Air Force, he flew commercially for Continental Express. Bob is survived by the love of his life for 35 years, Mary Sadler Anderson, stepson, Matthew Pirozzolo, stepdaughter, Kathryn Goldberg, grandchildren, Mikayla, Benjamin and Zachary Goldberg. In addition, he is survived by his son, Robert, Jr, grandchildren, Will and Kurt, son Scott and daughter, April along with his brothers Jim and Art, and sister, Susan. He is predeceased by his sister Merrilyn.