Carl L. Anderson, 89, died at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.

Born in Batavia, Ill., on July 20, 1917, he was the son of the late Charles and Selma (Johnson) Anderson.

He married the former Mae Wade on April 26, 1941, in Madison, Wis. Together they shared 64 years of marriage before her death in 2005.
He is survived by three children, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews; and by brothers in Texas and Wisconsin. He was predeceased by brothers, Floyd and Kenneth and sister, Helen.

After graduation from the University of Wisconsin, Carl entered officer's training at the Coast Guard Academy in 1943 and became commander of an 83-foot patrol boat that served on the East and Gulf Coasts during World War II. After the war ended, he went to work as a buyer of floor coverings for Sears Roebuck & Co., in Chicago. He had worked his way through college as a floor covering installer and was able to utilize this practical experience in his new job.

In 1955, he was hired as general manager of New London Mills, a hard surface floor covering manufacturer in New London. He was instrumental in turning that operation into a profitable company. In 1958, he became vice president of mail order and chain store sales and used his extensive background in sales and marketing to expand the business. Unfortunately, New London Mills closed, and, in 1970, Carl became a 53 year-old, out-of-work executive who had come to enjoy life in southeastern Connecticut. His entrepreneurial spirit took over and using much of his life savings, he purchased a water well drilling business, learned the basics of operating heavy machinery, and went to work. His business experience and a degree in geology paid off as he grew the business into a nationally recognized company which was featured in Water Well Magazine.

After drilling over 1200 wells in 11 years, Carl and Mae retired by spending time in Florida and Connecticut. He was an avid hunting, fishing, golfing, and sailing enthusiast. He was a former president of the New London YMCA, President of the Southern New England Spin Fishing Assoc., Thames Yacht Club, Ensign Fleet 34 and the Ensign Class Assoc., where he served as vice commodore of Rules and Regattas in 1971. In 1980, as president of the Aariana Shores Association in Florida, he led the home owner's purchase of the property.

In her later years, Mae's health deteriorated and Carl became her devoted primary care-giver and unselfishly attended to her growing needs.

Carl cherished his relationships with his family and friends throughout his life. Realizing the need for his grandchildren to have a link to their family history, he researched and compiled a book titled "Walk in My Shoes", which he distributed to all members of the family. He since had published updates and took great pride in