Harold J. “Hal” Salfen was 93. Born in O’Fallon, Missouri, fought in World War II, commanding a radar station, and earning the Bronze Star at the Battle of the Bulge. He remained in the Air Force as a Reservist, working as a liaison office for the Air Force Academy, and retired a full colonel. After the War, he worked for the airline industry, rising to Vice President of Central, Braniff, Ozark, and Alaska airlines. He was then head of the Airline Passenger Association, and finally owned and operated Airport Freeway Travel Agency in Irving.
He was President of the Georgia Jaycees, and Vice President of the National Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was President of the Las Colinas Rotary Club, and also served on the DFW Airport Board and on the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board. He played baseball as a youth, once having a tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals, and later played softball as an adult, including senior leagues into his 70s.
“Colonel” Salfen was married for 35 years to Marjorie McGregor (“Marge”) Salfen, until her death in 1980. They had six children, which produced 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Dallas, with interment at Calvary Hill Cemetery.
