Walter A. Anderson, 78, loving husband of 50 years of Isabelle Downs Anderson passed away April 11, 2006 after a long illness. He was born in Branford, CT, Sept. 13, 1927 a son of the late Carl A. and Esther Bergstrand Anderson and resided in Bethany for 49 years before moving to Salem in 2005. He was the founder and proprietor of the Automatic Milk Vending Co. Mr. Anderson was an active member of the Lions Club of New Haven since 1971, having served as club president in 1982-1983, and was honored with the following awards; The Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the Knights of the Blind Award, and the Ambassador of Sight Award. He served in the US Army as a Corporal from 1950-1952 and with the US Army Reserve until 1956. Mr. Anderson was a 50 year member of the First Church of Christ Congregational of Bethany and had been Head Deacon and Trustee. He was an avid bowler in the Bethany Bowling League and New Haven Industrial League. In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Walter F. Anderson and his wife, Kathy of New Haven, Geraldine Deyermond and her husband, James of Andover, MA, Carol Johnson and husband Eric, of Bethany, and David Anderson and wife Laura, of Northford, grandchildren, Stacey & Kevin Anderson, Kelly & Laura Deyermond, Cassandra & Kayla Johnson, and Ashley & Ryan Anderson and a brother, Herbert Anderson of Hamden. Also survived by a great-grandson, Elijah James Sorrells born 4/13/06. He was predeceased by 2 sisters, Dorothy Marshall, Eleanor Rivoir and 2 brothers, Oscar & Paul Anderson. Funeral service Saturday, April 15, at 11 a.m. in the First Church of Christ Congregational, 511 Amity Rd., Bethany. Friends may call at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN Friday from 4-8 p.m. Interment with military honors in Carrington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the Lions Club of New Haven, Charitable Trust, P.O. Box 8012 New Haven, CT 06530.