Neil began his career with a brief position in Washington D.C. working with the FBI. On May 21st, 1956 he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he spent the next 27 years, he retired with Honors as a Lt. Colonel on September 30th, 1982. Neil had been a Navigator on  KC-135's and flown combat missions over Vietnam, doing his part to provide lifesaving air refueling support for aircraft flying missions over the north.

He married Martha Anderson on October 26, 1956, to this union they had three sons, Curt, Jon, and Lee. After Neil retired from active duty from the Air Force he didn't let his passion for aviation subside. He continued his career as an Aircraft Inspector and Instructor for B&L Aviation which was located in Rapid City. He logged countless hours with many students in which he made lifelong friends and was an inspiration to many aviators along the way. Neil also had a strong passion for Elk hunting as well as Pheasant hunting with his bird dogs. He took many of trips with family and friends enjoying the great outdoors.

Neil would travel far and wide for family events, he wasn't one to miss a wedding, a graduation or even a simple birthday. Neil also was a dedicated member of the Masonic Lodge -Tin City Lodge #112, Eastern Star, South Dakota Scottish Rite, and NAJA Shrine.

He is survived by two sons, Jon (Lisa) Anderson, Rapid City, Lee Anderson (Debbie Buuck), Rapid City; five grandchildren, Brandon Anderson, Sioux Falls, Bryce Anderson, Sioux Falls, Tabitha (Tee) Tetrault, Martin, SD, JD Anderson, Camp Crook, SD, Lanie Anderson, Rapid City; five great-grandchildren, Naphtali Meyer, Sioux Falls, Austin Anderson, Sioux Falls, Trey, Tayce and Tatum Tetrault, Martin; two sisters, Jan Brasch, Georgetown, TX, Elaine (Roger) Pofahl, Ewing, NE; one brother-in-law, Don Lou, Norfolk, NE; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Neil was preceded in death by his son, Curt Anderson; parents, Melvin and Ester Anderson; sister, Judy Lou; and brother-in-law, Steve Brasch.

Tin City Lodge #112 will conduct a Masonic Funeral Rites at 10 am on Friday, March 2, 2018 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.  Military Honors will be rendered by the Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard.