Elwood W. Anders, age 90, longtime Oak Harbor resident and World War II Navy Veteran, died at Home Place Special Care Center in Oak Harbor, on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, following an extended illness.

Mr. Anders was born on Jan. 9, 1918, in Camden, N.J., to Harry Anders and Ella (Tice) Anders. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, and went on to attend Drexel University in Philadelphia, Penn., for three years. His plans for education were interrupted when the U.S. entered World War II in 1940. At this time, Elwood enlisted in the Navy, and served his country until 1947, when he was honorably discharged. During his military service, he served on the European, African and Southwest Pacific Theatres, and was a survivor of the Japanese attack on the USS Wasp, having spent six hours in the water before rescue. He was also a flight instructor.

Elwood married Norma Ruth Peterson on June 10, 1945, in Iowa City, Iowa. Norma had been a student at Iowa State University and Elwood was stationed there as a flight instructor during that time. The couple resided in Stratford, N.J. for a number of years after their wedding, and Elwood became employed by the Curtis Publishing Company as a printer. They moved to Oak Harbor in 1983 after his retirement. They had been members of Family Bible Church and Common Ground Church. Elwood enjoyed wood working, reading and walking.

Elwood is survived by his wife Norma, at home; two sons, Jon Anders of Barrington, N.J. and Paul Anders and wife Ellen of Collierville, Tenn.; two granddaughters, Kristin Danaher and husband Brett of Austin, Texas and Kelly Bojar and husband Mike of Camarillo, Calif.; one great-grandson, Austin Munns; also, a close friend, Carol Marris of Blackwood, N.J. He was preceded in death by a brother Harry and a sister Rhelda Carroll.

A private family graveside service will be held at Maple Leaf Cemetery on Tuesday, March 25, Pastor Thomas Meyers officiating. Military honors will be performed under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Skagit Hospice, 819 S. 13th St., Mt. Vernon, WA 98274, or to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 322 N. Lauderdale Ave., Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are by Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc., 746 NE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.