Armour Axil Anderson

Armour Axil Anderson was called home peacefully by the Lord on Friday February 19th 2016 at Grace Assisted Living at the age of 95. He was surrounded by his loving family. Armour was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on August 27th 1920; he was the son of Carl and Victoria Anderson. He attended Bickel Grade School, O’Leary Jr High, and graduated from Twin Falls Senior High School in 1938. His high school activities and interests included: Latin Club, Thespians, Debate Team, Hi-Y, many school plays, Slide Rule Club, student council and the Red Night Club. Armour attended the University of Idaho and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He was a member of the Fraternity Beta Theta Pi; Captain of the Scabbard & Blade, military honorary; involved in the Key Club, the University Rifle & Pistol Team, Thespians, many school plays, and was the Business Manager of The Argonaut a popular school newspaper. Armour was called to active duty on June 15th 1942; one of his first duties as Tactical Officer was training cadets at the Officer Candidate School in Miami Beach Florida. One of Armour’s most memorable and most famous students was Clark Gable. Gable flunked one of Armour’s courses due to previous movie acting which required him to erase his mind before memorizing new movie lines – Gable retested and passed with a 100%. In an effort to recruit attractive college girls to Gables graduation party, Armour took Gable to the University of Miami. When the University of Miami beauty queen had a prior dance engagement and could not attend the party, the newspapers caught wind and reported the next day – Gable was turned down for a date. The Pentagon and Armour’s commander did not like this news. Armour was transferred to the Air Transport Command to set up flight controls between Florida and South America for the heavy flow of military aircraft. Other duty assignments included: Air Operations Officer at Zandary Field in Dutch Guiana and at Atkinson Field in British Guiana. In 1946 Armour was discharged from active service into the Ready Reserve as Lt. Colonel. Armour married Mary Coughlin in 1943; together they had two sons, Armour “Andy” Jr and John Carl, a daughter was born Jane Helene, however due to an illness she passed away shortly after birth. Upon returning to civilian life in 1946, Armour entered into a partnership with Jim J. Winterholer Sr. and founded Gem State Paper & Supply Company. Armour divorced in 1970 and later married Jackie Mullinix in 1971. He adopted her son Douglas Ryan and raised him as his own. Armour was active in the community in both the early days and present. He gave many years of service: Kiwanis Club served as President and Lt. Governor; Republican Precinct Committeeman; Chairman of the Airport Board; Executive Board of the Salvation Army; Board Director of both Magic Valley Rehabilitation and the best Rotary Club in the world the Twin Falls Rotary Club; Founded Magic Valley Stamp Club; active in the Toastmaster Club, Blue Lakes Country Club, Twin Falls Elks Club, and the Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce. Other activities: Life Member of the American Philatelic Society; Executive Board of the Idaho Employers council; Advisory Board Member Wisconsin Tissue Mills; Merchant Board Member Crown Zellerback; Advisory Member Advance Machine Company; Chairman Twin Falls Water Bond Drive 1971; Chairman of the National High School Rodeo Finals 1973; Life Member and Charter of the Snake River Elks; PUFL Member American Legion and a Paul Harris Fellow Member of Rotary. Armour’s favorite activities included Golfing, Fishing, Hunting, and trips to Jackpot gambling where he perfected his “Axil Maneuver.” Up until his passing Armour was an active member of the Board of Directors for Gem State Paper & Supply Company. Armour thoroughly enjoyed every day at the office. He always brightened the day and brought a smile to those that were fortunate to work with him. Gem State Paper & Supply Company celebrates its 70th year of doing business this year and remains a family legacy. Armour is survived by: His sons, Armour “Andy” (Cathy) Anderson Oro Valley AZ, John C (Vicki) Anderson Twin Falls ID, Doug (Tonya) Anderson Meridian ID, 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Armour was preceded in death by his father Carl Nathaniel Anderson; Mother Victoria Sofia Anderson; Brothers Delno and Kernell Anderson; Sister Vivian Carlson LeBaron; Mary Anderson and Jackie Anderson; and Daughter Jane Helene Anderson. A special thanks to all of the caregivers at Grace Assisted Living who cared for “Smiley” as the nurses called him. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Visions of Twin Falls 1770 Park View Dr Twin Falls, ID 83301. As a lifelong member of St. Edwards Catholic Church funeral Mass will be held at St. Edwards Catholic Church Tuesday February 23rd at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the St. Edwards Parish Hall; Interment at the Twin Falls Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home.