Philip E. Halford

Philip E. Halford of Waco passed away Monday, July 25, 2016, surround by family. Waco visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 27, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. His Godfrey, Illinois, visitation will be at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, August 1, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 2, 2016, at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf in Godfrey, with Pastor Charles West officiating. Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery. Philip was born August 14, 1943, in Ramsey, Illinois, to Raymond and Grace (Whitten) Halford. He attended Alton public schools, graduated from Alton Senior High in 1961 and extended his education at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois. His military experience was with the Missouri National Guard. During that period he met his love, Donna Thornton, “DJ” in 1967, and they were married for 49 years. The joy of his life happened in 1971, the birth of their only child, Heather Lynn. Five years later, they moved to Texas, first to Dallas and then to Waco in 1984. Philip had a career in hospital administration with the Daughters of Charity for 40 years, starting in St. Louis, Missouri, then to Dallas, and finally as CFO of Providence Hospital in Waco for over 23 years, retiring in 2007. Phil thoroughly enjoyed all sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys, Notre Dame, and what used to be St. Louis Cardinals. But, his greatest love was his wife Donna Jean and family. He was most proud of his daughter, Heather, and his precious three granddaughters, Hayden 13, Campbell 8, and Rory Jayne, 6. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Donald, Bill and Tom. He is survived by his wife, Donna Halford, of Waco; daughter, Heather and husband, Brian White; and his three beautiful granddaughters. He was also survived by siblings Glova Williams, Richard, Robert, and James Halford of Illinois. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, (heart.org) or Lupus Foundation of America, (lupus.org). The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.