Walton Sheriff ‘Andy’ Anderson Succumbs at 59
DEFUNIAK SPRINGS — Walton County Sheriff Howard (Andy) Anderson was pronounced dead on arrival at Lakeside Hospital here early today. He was 59.
Anderson, who spent three weeks in a Pensacola hospital in May after suffering a serious heart attack, was stricken at his home about 5:45 a.m. He was rushed to the hospital.
Two of the three weeks spent in the Pensacola hospital were in the intensive care unit during May and he returned to his office after a four-week’s absence, but had been under a physician’s care.
He was elected as Walton County Sheriff in 1960 and assumed office on Jan. 3, 1961, and had two more years of his third consecutive term to serve.
Prior to his entry into law enforcement, Anderson operated a service station and television sales center in DeFuniak Springs and served on the city council for a number of years.
He was a native of DeFuniak Springs and was graduated from Walton County High School, as well as having attended numerous police and FBI seminars.
A Mason and member of the DeFuniak Springs Kiwanis Club. Anderson had also been active in a wide variety of civic programs.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Fred Respress will temporarily assume Anderson’s duties and it is expected that Gov. Claude Kirk will appoint someone to fill his (Anderson’s) unexpired term. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
[Source: The Pensacola News, 28 October 1970, Pages 1 and 3B]
[Burial: Magnolia Cemetery, DeFuniak Springs]