Charles Ellis Alford

Our beloved father, grandfather, hero and friend, Charles Ellis Alford of Waco went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 15, 2017. A Memorial Celebration will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 18, at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church with the Rev. Josh Vaughan officiating. A service will also be held at Gaston Oaks Baptist Church in Dallas at 3:00 p.m., Saturday. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery in Dallas with full military honors. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, March 17, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco. Charles was born November 12, 1921, in Davenport, Iowa, to Charles and Edna Alford. He grew up in Chicago and joined the Army in 1942. During World War II he fought with the Sixth Armored Division in Europe, at times under Gen. George Patton, through the Battle of the Bulge and all the way to Berlin. As an artillery forward observer, he received the Silver Star for gallantry in action, the Bronze star, and many other citations. He helped liberate the Buchenwald Concentration Camp and served on a war crimes commission following the war. Upon his return from the war, he was stationed in Ft. Hood, where he met the love of his life, Goldia Brashears, and later married her in Dallas in 1950. They were happily married for 61 years and had three children and eight grandchildren. Charles spent his career in the insurance industry with C.B. O’Beirne & Co. After putting three children through Baylor University, Charles and Goldia enjoyed traveling the world. After returning from active duty in the war, he joined the Army Reserves and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel prior to his retirement. He was active in the Dallas Chapters of the Reserve Officers Association, the Military Order of World Wars, and the Navy League of the United States, serving in positions of leadership in each. During his tenure as commander of the MOWW, it was recognized as best chapter in the nation. As a member of the Navy League of Dallas, he had the pleasure of embarking upon a nuclear submarine and spending a day 600 feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean (something on his bucket list). He considered all the members of those organizations a part of his military family. His involvement in those organizations was motivated by his love and respect for those who had served, along with his desire to leave a legacy of honor, duty and service to the generations who followed. He served faithfully at Gaston Avenue Baptist Church in Dallas for 61 years, before moving to Waco and joining Columbus Avenue Baptist Church. He served as Deacon, Sunday School Director, teacher, committee chairs, and in many other leadership capacities. He especially enjoyed leading and interacting with young married couples, influencing countless lives with his Godly example of faithful obedience and service. His daily life bore witness of his love for his Lord along with his compassion and love for people. He was a blessing to all he touched. He was a man of strength, deep conviction and courage, who absolutely lived life to the fullest. Charles was preceded in death by his wife; three siblings; and a grandchild. His legacy is his three children, Sharon Sexton and husband, Sam, David Alford and wife, Laura, and Marilyn Kusters and husband, Steve; and eight grandchildren. Pallbearers are Stephen Sexton, David Alford, Jr., William Alford, Anthony Gonzales, Alex Kusters, Andrew Kusters, and Adream Kusters. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Acrey and Dale Nelson. The family wishes to thank his church families, his military family, his caregivers, his physicians, and the compassionate sacred servants at BSW Hillcrest for their love and care of our hero. Memorials may be made to Columbus Avenue Baptist Church (www.cabcwaco.org), Gaston Oaks Baptist Church (www.gastonoaks.org), Military Order of the World Wars (www.dallas-moww.org), Daughters of World War II (www.daughtersofww2.org), Dallas Chapter of the Navy League of the United States (www.navyleaguedallas.org ). The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.