Franklin Anderson Obituary

CDR Franklin W. Anderson, USN/Ret passed away at his ranch outside of Ignacio, CO on 01/05/2026. He was born on 04/25/1934 to Lloyd and Goldie Anderson in Pagosa Springs, CO and was a fifth generation Archuleta County resident. He graduated from Pagosa Springs High School in 1952, from Fort Lewis College in 1954, and then Colorado State University in 1956 with a B.S. Degree in Animal Sciences. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.

In October 1956 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was selected to attend Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an Ensign in February 1957. Franklin then reported on board the U.S. Navy Amphibious Base, Coronado, CA to commence training for the Underwater Demolition Team with Class 18, graduating in July 1957 and reporting to UDT-11 for duty.

In August 1961 he was selected to become Executive Officer of UDT-11, and shortly thereafter was assigned on a committee of four to study the formation of a special unit (later to be called SEALs) and in January 1962 he personally selected 2 officers and 25 men from UDT-11 to help form the nucleus of soon to be SEAL Team One.

In June 1964 he volunteered for duty in Vietnam to establish a UDT/SEAL Team for the Vietnamese Navy. LT Anderson trained a new group from scratch, and they were very successful on missions. Most noteworthy was the Battle of Vung Ro Bay. LT Anderson received the Bronze Star Medal with combat "V" along with the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with the Silver Star for his actions.

In July 1966 LCDR Anderson became Commanding Officer of SEAL Team One where he immediately made significant changes. Among his many commendations, LCDR Anderson received the Presidential Unit Citation from President Johnson and Legion of Merit for his actions while assigned to SEAL Team One. Later, LCDR Anderson was promoted to Full Commander (CDR) and received a Meritorious Service Medal. After many successful assignments and duty stations, CDR Anderson received outstanding performance records and was recommended for early promotion and to become Director of all UDT and SEAL Training for the Navy. Back where he started almost 20 years later. Many of the programs and practices that Franklin started are still in effect today.

In May 1977 Franklin retired after 21 years to be near his father who had become ill and moved back to Colorado. Besides providing moral support to his father, he proceeded in building a ranch from the ground up into a productive enterprise. Franklin raised sheep, cattle, and horses. He became active in the local community and La Plata County.

He was commended by the Colorado House of Representatives for activities in agriculture, community affairs, and politics. In 1996 he was selected as La Plata County Agriculturist of the Year. In 2017 he was recognized by the Colorado State University Alumni Assoc. for over 50 years of public service. Most recently, in 2025, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from La Plata County Farm Bureau.

Franklin and Martha just recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Together they have raised four children - Gisela, Linda Susan, Warren, and Wayne. He is also survived by eight grandchildren - Abby, Audra, Joe, Jack, Sebastion, Mason, Jim, and Billy Ann.

Franklin was an inspiration to many, he loved his family and this country, and he will be dearly missed. Services will be held at a later date.