A Native Texan, he served in the USAF from 1950 - 1953, seeing service in Korea at Kimpo AFB. After being discharged from the Air Force, he was hired by Braniff Airways in 1953. He was a customer service agent at Love Field and later at DFW airport until Braniff filed for bankruptcy on May 12, 1982. He was married to Wanda Pierce at Telephone, Texas on June 5, 1954. Together, they had and raised two children, Debie and Eddie Anders. He was a member of Webb Chapel Church of Christ where he served as a deacon for a time.
He enjoyed traveling, fishing, pitching fast pitch softball, and playing 42 at family get-togethers.