Extracted from The Times Argus (Barre, VT)
Walter L. Halford
WEST BERLIN -- Walter Lavon Halford, 88, died Monday, Oct. 4, 2010, at the Berlin Health & Rehabilitation Center in Berlin. He was born in Louin, Miss., on May 20, 1922, the son of Benjamin and Virgie (McCarty) Halford. He attended school in Montrose, Miss.
Mr. Halford is a United States Navy veteran of World War II. He had served on the U.S.S. Plattsburgh, and was a gunner on board the AV 12 U.S.S. Pine Island in the South Pacific. He was one of the Navy gunners on board ship and providing security for the official unconditional surrender of the Japanese at the wars' end.
On Sept. 20, 1952, he married Gertrude Collins at St. John The Evangelist Church in Northfield. She predeceased him on May 4, 1975. He married Janice Croteau Grout in Riverton Sept. 1, 1976.
He had worked for the Asbestos Mill in Northfield Falls, Nantanna Woolen Mill in Northfield, chef at Norwich University and worked 22 years for Wyman Petroleum in Berlin, retiring in 1987.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Northfield and the Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post in Montpelier. He was a passionate fisherman, enjoyed hunting, gardening, knitting and spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Janice Halford of West Berlin; seven children, Roger Halford of North Montpelier, Shawna Clement and husband, Stephen of Waterboro, Maine, Ena Anthony and husband, Mark of Williamstown, Lori Grout and partner, Frank Baraby of East Calais, Bradley Grout of Lyndonville, Lisa Durkee and husband, Rick of Montpelier, David Halford and wife, Annette of Barre Town; two sisters, Mary Edith Turner of Marietta, Texas, Betty Lou Brock of Greer, S.C.; six grandchildren, Jaime Minor and husband, James, Grace Clement, Jason Grout, Katelyn Grout, Megan Durkee and fiancée, Chris Cameron, Bradley Durkee; two great-grandchildren, Caiden Minor, Allison Minor; many nieces, nephews and several special sister- and brother-in-laws.
He is predeceased by 12 siblings, Thelma Drinkwine, Levert Brown, Leora Hendrickson, Zelma Ryan, Barbara Ishee, Helen Halford, Dorothy Rose Halford, Houston Halford, John Leeland Halford, George Gradell Halford, James Allen Halford and Frank Halford.
There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be conducted Friday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Northfield. Burial will follow the service at the Green Mount Cemetery in Montpelier, where full military honors will be accorded. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Berlin Health & Rehabilitation Center Activity Fund, 98 Hospitality Drive, Barre, VT 05641.
Kingston Funeral Home in Northfield is in charge of the arrangements.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010