Virgil Leroy Halstead Jr.

He was born on December 2, 1945 to Virgil and Barbara Halstead in Phoenix, Arizona. He was the youngest of six children. As a young child the family moved to the Olympia area and was a Thurston County resident the rest of his life.

Shortly after graduating from Tumwater High School in 1964 he met Diane Megiveron at the Sunset Drive-In in Tumwater and they were married in 1965. Counting their dating, they were together for over 60 years. Shortly afterwards, they started their family with Ted, Roxanne, and Tracy.

He worked a few jobs until settling as a longshoreman at the Olympia Port. He transferred to the Tacoma ports later when there wasn’t enough work. He worked, as a longshoreman, for over 20 years.

In the early 70’s the family moved to a neighborhood that included an amazing family (Kerstetters) that were great neighbors and helped them understand that God loved them and sent Jesus to die for their sins. Over the next 3-5 years the family became Christians and their lives were changed forever with Virgil being the last one to be saved. However, his change was real and drastic. As is stated in his personal testimony everything centered around pool and that changed after becoming a Christian. He gave up all his trophies, smoking and alcohol. One of his favorite Bible verses in 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Serving Christ became his life and was a proud member of Emmanuel Bible Fellowship for over 45 years. He served in many ministries at the church and was always willing to meet new people by having them over for a meal and games.

After retirement, Virgil continued to serve the Lord wherever he could and gave to many Christian organizations. He welcomed grandchildren and even a great grandchild more recently. As health issues started to increase he continued to give and pray.

The family praises the Lord for having one last Christmas together with most being able to be there and again on the day before his passing when he was still responding and even smiling.

The family would like to thank Emmanuel Bible Fellowship and Senior Helpers for the incredible support over the last year of his life.

Virgil is survived by his wife Diane Halstead, his three children Ted Halstead (Deborah), Roxanne Schaaf (Roy-deceased), Tracy Halstead (Leng) and sister Ruth Fitzner. In addition, he leaves his loved grandchildren and great grandson.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents and his four brothers Ben, Ron, Jack and Les.