Edward Franklin Anibal Jr.

Edward (Ed) was born on March 25, 1940, in Schenectady, New York to Pauline (Holubek) and Edward Franklin Anibal, Sr. He attended high school at St. Columbas High School and graduated in 1957. Growing up, Ed spent his summers working in his parents’ snack shop on Saratoga Lake as well as Saratoga Racetrack. Ed graduated from St. Michael’s College, in Winooski, Vermont, in 1961 with a degree in Chemistry/Biology and a Master of Science Degree in Management from the University of Arkansas. On October 6, 1962, Edward married his high school sweetheart, MaryElizabeth (MaryE) Vavasour. The couple made their first home in Trenton, New Jersey.

Ed served in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years. He was commissioned through Officer Training School in June of 1962. During his tenure, Ed, MaryE and their growing family were stationed throughout Europe and the United States. Between 1963 and 1967, the couple welcomed their four children (Patricia, Michael, Mark, and Edward III) in three separate countries. Moving back to the United States in 1975, the family made their home in Colorado, New Mexico and eventually settled in Las Vegas, NV at Nellis Air Force Base. While MaryE and the children remained in Las Vegas, Ed’s final years of service were spent at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM and ultimately retired while at Ogden Air Force Base in Utah in June 1986. During Ed’s distinguished years of service, he was selected as an Outstanding Young Man of America in 1971. He also was awarded the Legion of Merit, Airman’s Medal for Heroism, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with five oak leaf clusters, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Ed began a second career as the Executive Director of Southern California Edison & Mission Energy in Laughlin, NV, Bakersfield, CA and Henderson, NV. He retired in 2001.

“The Colonel”, as he was affectionately known, loved many things, but nothing more than his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He could always be found on the sidelines of the soccer field or in the gym for his daughter’s gymnastics. His belly became the beloved spot for each of his grandchildren over the years. He thoroughly enjoyed cooking during family gatherings and was known for his flank steak, egg rolls, vidalia onions and sausage & meatballs. Although he was a man of little words, knowing his family was well-fed and under his roof brought him a sense of joy. His love for golf was amplified upon retirement. He volunteered as the senior men’s golf league coordinator at Wild Horse Country Club for many years. He also volunteered as the Fox Ridge HOA President.

Edward is survived by his wife of 60 years, MaryElizabeth of Fort Worth, Texas, his daughter Patricia Anne Reaves (Brent) of Fort Worth, Texas, and his sons Michael Edward Anibal (Penny) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Mark Steven Anibal (Angela) of Lakewood, California, and Edward Franklin Anibal III (Lisa) of Bennington, Nebraska; 8 grandchildren (Ashley, Kristy, Toni, Kylea, Emma, Hayden, Edward IV, and Graham) and 2 great grandchildren (Layken and Lennon).

He is preceded in death by his parents Edward Franklin Anibal, Sr., Pauline (Holubek) Anibal and his grandparents Irving Washington Anibal and Agnes (Smith) Anibal.

Edward will be laid to rest at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 2 p.m.

Celebration of life to follow at 15850 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76108.