First of all, I can't imagine what my life would have been like without your love and the love of your family.  My memories are all around family.  I can still see the pride in your face at having a son.  Thinking, that had to top it all as you took him everywhere, him dressed like dad, and acting like a little man.  But then I saw the same pride and gleam in your eye when the girls came, then grandchildren and great grandchildren.  My how blessed we are.  They kept that smile on your face.  And now, you may be gone from my sight, but forever in my heart.  My peace is ever knowing I will see you again.

Papaw, always loved forever missed.

To be honest a pool of tears starts to form in my eyes when my thoughts and memories have to be formed on paper about my Papaw; it's just the wish, that little want to be able to talk about these little things over dinner with him sitting in his chair smiling back at his family.  Papaw was beyond words; I go speechless to even describe the man and what he meant to me.  It's the little moments in life that are taken for granted, and it's those little moments I wish I could still have today… us nagging Mamaw about not having popsicles in the house (because Papaw made sure they were always in the freezer when I arrived), to the grocery shopping days with my grandparents where he had to have his own cart so he could sneak things he wanted in his personal basket without Mamaw's approval, to the go cart and mini golf trips that, because of a promise, happened even though Papaw was tired from a long day's work, to the road trips, to the “breaking” of my bread, and yes even way back to when I told Papaw I was never getting him a Valentine again because I was flustered about carrying my chair back from the garden (no worries I did finally give him one just this past year).    See this man was more to me than just a grandparent, he was a best friend and my memories of us (including Mamaw) could write an endless river of words that no matter how beautifully put would sing a sweet melody for years beyond this page.  My river flows into your river and always and forever we will be intertwined, until I see you in my dreams, in my memories … not goodbye, but goodnight … close your eyes and I'm not far from sight. 
 
I love you both, always and forever you'll be snuggled next to my heart. XXOO

It's been 1 month today, I know we will have to move forward not sure when that will be & when the pain & crying will stop for us but it will I know but the blessings we have had having such a wonderful man in our lives will be hard to beat. I will miss your smile, your kisses, your hugs & your love for us, Mom, God Bless you for being our wonderful Mother. All my love always, Donna

Mother & Daddy,

You and Mom made our family life the best in the whole world. I know this because we ate Dinner together, played games & sports together, went on vacations together (even as Adults). As a kid I always had enough of everything. And an abundance of Love that spilled on to us all. You both were always the perfect example of doing things for others without expecting anything in return. When someone had a problem it seemed to always get solved.  And you both taught us to never let the sun go down without resolving our anger. Never give up on your dreams. You both lived your advice. And to love God with all your heart. Your wealth was in loving each other and us. What I will remember most, is we always hugged when we would see each other and when we would leave each other we would hug again and tell each other we loved one another. And Dad you would wave from the front door. I miss that.  Hugs and Kisses to Mom & Dad. I love you Mother & Daddy. Louanne

The hardest thing to do is say Goodbye, so instead I am saying "Until I see you again".  I can't imagine a life without my Papaw in it.  He always had a smile and a warm hug for me.  I always loved going to Granny & Papaw's house.  They have both been such an inspiration to me.  I believe it is because of the love and guidance Granny & Papaw had that we all come together the way we do.  I know now that not every family is like ours. ~ We are so incredibly blessed and I know Papaw is proud of us all.  Just a small example, but so special to me, he was able to build and give me my very own ladder golf set this last June. (Papaw built the most amazing Ladder Golf sets!)  I could see the pride he had in me; for the adult & parent I've become and the family I've created.  I will cherish my memories forever.   I am going to miss you Papaw.  I love you so much!

My papaw was such an incredible man. He was so strong and had the warmest heart. He loved being around his family and he always showed it. Whenever I would pass by he would always grab me close and tell me how much he loved me. Papaw will be in my heart and mind everyday and he will never be forgotten. There's gonna be a certain emptiness at family gatherings now without his warmth, but we all will know that you're there with us though. Papaw had the greatest smile. Being able to go on a cruise with him last summer was probably one of the greatest times I've ever got to share with papaw. The joy he puts off is so contagious and amazing. I love you so much papaw. I will see you again one day, feeling your warm hug and seeing that wonderful smile.

To the Halford family,
Each time I stop to write in here, I cry! Just wanted to tell you how blessed I feel to have been related to such a loving, caring, man, my Uncle Don. He always treated me like one of his own. His door was always open and everyone was always welcome. I loved the times we had working on my old car, sharing funny stories or playing cards with the family. Aunt Pauline, I know he will be missed terribly but the love he had for his family was like none other. He was patient, kind, caring, and had so many good characteristics! In my eyes, he was like a father, good role-model, advisor, guidance counselor, and most of all excellent listener. He listened with not only his ears but also his heart. He was a "giant" of a man, not only his height, but the size of his heart. So glad he allowed me the opportunity to be a small part because he will forever be in mine.

I regret not spending time with you both over the last few years, but love you all very much.

Written with love,
Kaye Lynn (Halford) Gilbert

I loved visiting with Papaw no matter what the occasion. Whether it was at the OFC, on a cruise, or just sitting at one of the family gatherings. I always wanted to grow vegetables like him but mine never measured up. One of my favorite memories is when a large group of us went deep sea fishing. Me and Paul were baiting our hooks with squid and then digging right into a bag of peanuts. We offered Papaw some but he did not want any. He laughed though and brought that up almost every time we saw him. I will remember and think of him often, and especially when I eat peanuts. Love you Papaw.

The OFC is where I remember Papaw the most. I can't imagine the OFC without Papaw. He was constantly involved in all of the actives he could around the park. Just a short chat with him while playing cards could really brighten your day, no matter how good of a day it already was. Papaw will be missed deeply at the OFC and in all aspects of life. Love ya Papaw.

I always loved visiting Texas when I was a kid, so much so, that I moved here when I became an adult.  Uncle Don and Aunt Pauline's home was a place of fun, warmth, and laughter.  When we walked in the door, no matter what the time was, Uncle Don was there waiting with a smile on his face and Aunt Pauline with a hug for each of us.  It was obvious to me that they were not only our family but they were our friends - all of us, and Don was the center of that circle.  I have so many happy memories of holidays and trips together, and seeing my dad with his brother and their relationship was a great example of how you keep your family close, even though separated by miles.  Don will be greatly missed by all of us and left a beautiful legacy to many people.  I will not cry when I think of him but smile, as he would want me to do.  Our love to all of the family and may you focus on the good and sweet time you had together and carry Don's light with you always.  Love forever!

All the sweet comments from the grandkids...all true and heartfelt.  But I remember the young dad in his 30's who was raising his family...who was strong and opinionated and fiercely loved us all.  He worked hard and played hard and kept the book of Hoyle handy.  I loved being his bridge partner.  I always had to underbid to compensate for his overbidding his hand.  He always wanted to go for it and wouldn't abandon even a lousy hand.  He was the same with us.  I'll always be grateful for Dad threatening a teenage Paul with his life if he didn't take care of me.  It made a difference in the man he became and I'll always be grateful.  So, we will keep shuffling the cards and remembering his strong example to each of us.  You made a difference.  Love, Your Favorite Daughter-in-Law

Losing you has been hard for us all.  I haven't found my balance yet but I will.  Until then, I talk to you daily and know you are there in a different way.  I will forever be grateful for the hours you gave me the last night together.  There was such compassion in you eyes and such love for me.  We smiled and laughed and cried and talked over old times and memories and I know you knew what lay ahead for you.  You gave me all you had left and that is just a testament to the love you gave to us all.  You always gave us everything you had.  All your love, all your understanding, all your knowledge, all your compassion, all your time... all of you!  And you gave always with a smile on your face and in your heart.  I will forever work toward being that kind of person.  You will always be with me.  I think that is what you were trying to make sure I understood.  

When seeing each other I always said "Hi older than me" and your response was "Not by much".  So for now I will say Goodbye older than me but not for long. Love you dad!!!!

I don't really know where to start... I can say without a doubt that papaw was the best!! I knew that when I see papaw my hands will never be cold!! Nor will my heart... Just one glimpse of his sweet smile and you instantly felt warmth and love run through you... He will always be remembered for his love for others and his love of his family..

The Blanket of Life

People you love are so intertwined in your life, it's like the backside of a woven blanket, comfortably hugging you as it wraps warmth around you.  When they pass from this life to Heaven, it's like there's an emptiness of a black hole and it never ends.  Certain places, good food, his hat, her perfume, they all remind you of them.  We adjust our heart's around the emptiness and try to fill the void with memories of laughter, wonderful moments, joyous holidays, special times we shared with them.  And wait, till it's our time to join them there.  In the place of hope, Heaven.  Miss you Daddy. I Love you, Louanne

My Papaw....

I have tried so many times to write this letter, but I still can't do it without crying.  I'm afraid if I wait for that, I'll miss my opportunity.

It's hard to even know where to start...  I think the thing I will miss most is his smile.  It was so genuine it gave you a warm glow inside just to see it.  I have heard talk about Papaw being a stern parent when it was warranted, but as his granddaughter, I never saw it.  I have never met a couple more open with their praise and encouragement than Granny and Papaw.  Neither one of them ever pass up a chance to hug me and tell me how proud they are of me and my family.  In my last phone conversation with Papaw, I was telling him about our new house, and he just couldn't keep the pride out of his voice when he told me how happy he was for Donnie and I.  And I know he was.  I don't think anyone will ever doubt how much they were loved by Papaw--because he never held anything back.  I have always loved that about Granny and Papaw, and I try so hard to live that way.  I hope when I am gone, people know how I truly feel about them.  Becuase it is great to know you are loved like that.

Thank you, Granny and Papaw

Sorry for you loss, Great Aunt Pauline.  Thank you so much for posting pictures.  I can see several of Grandpa Eddie's features in Uncle Donald over the years.  I was so happy to finally see my first picture of my great Grandfather and family and Grandpa Eddie as a boy.  Take care and thank you for sending Dad (Bobby) the obituary.  Love to you all.  Love Bob, Marilyn Halford and my family Dan & Melissa (Halford) Hasty.

My Pappaw Is the greatest man I've ever known. I always thought of you as more of a Dad instead of my Grandpa. I've learned so much from you but most of all how to be a man and father. And If I can be half the man you were I think I'll be doing pretty good. I love and miss you Pappaw.       Love, Brian

I'll never forget the 1st time I met Pappaw, it was the 1st time I went to meet Brian Foreman's family. Most ladies are nervous to meet their boyfriends partents but I wasn't just meeting his parents, I was meeting almost the entire family at one time. LOL  It was Christmas time so some of the family was in from different states to be together for the holidays.  Everyone I met was very nice, then I saw Pappaw... I thought to myself, "that's the cutest old man I've ever seen". The sight of him just made me smile (& still does). Then came the fun and games, the family introduced me to their many card games they love to play (boy do they take those seriously)
I was new to the game and knew nothing about it, yet Pappaw from across the table made sure he helped me. Everyone around the table might be joking around and losing their place or thought of the game, but Not Pappaw. It's like he had an Eagle Eye & wasn't about to forget or let someone play out of turn. Man, card games with him were a blast.  Losing both my father and grandfather several years ago, I've never gotten close to an older man since, but that man had my heart from the first time I met him.  I'm so thankful my son Mason Smith and I were blessed to have met and know him for the time we did. Boy I Love that Cute Old Man!!! I know now that he's up there with the other Amazing Men I love, maybe teaching my daddy " sucks to be you" (card game)
Much love & Respect,
Tiffany Smith

Don, I will miss you forever & I promised you that I will never let you down. I will always take care of Donna & the family. I love you, Patt

My Daddy

I know this man
Who is so dear to my heart
Suddenly one day
It was torn all apart

This man taught me every thing
That I needed to know
I really listened
he sill had to go

He gave me love
And touched my life
Its all over for now
He no longer has to fight

He taught me
Right for wrong
The day he left
I wasn't that strong

He is gone now
It is so hard to believe
This man is my dad
Who I will never see again on earth

But I will see him again in heaven
This I know
The day will come
When its time for me to go

So, I'll hold him dear
And close to my heart
Cause the day we meet
I know we'll never be torn apart.

Daddy most of all I will miss you blowing me kisses.
You will be forever in my heart.
Until I see you again - All my love always, Donna

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. We love you all very much. We are so sorry for your loss.

Prayers for the entire family.  I'm so sorry for your loss.

Amber Westbrook

Pauline, Janice and I are thinking of you and the family. So sad to hear the news of Uncle Don passing. Please know we are praying for you to find comfort in wonderful memories of your life with him and peace in knowing that God is with you. Deepest Sympathy, Robert and Janice Halford

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time of sorrow.  May time help to heal and the memories last forever.  The Ponikiewski Family

OBITUARY

Donel A. Halford

October 25, 1931 – August 25, 2013

Moore Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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