J Hallford

J. L. Hallford, 93, passed from this life on Thursday, January 22, 2015 in a Tulsa Hospital. He was born in Stilwell, OK to Jess and Flora Hallford. J. L. was a graduate of Stilwell High School, Northeastern State University and Oklahoma State University. He was a World War II Veteran serving in the U.S. Army Air Corp in the European Theatre.
He was a retired teacher, principal and administrator, having worked in the Zion and Stilwell School systems for many years.
J. L. was very active in the First Christian Church in Stilwell. He served as an Elder and Sunday school teacher for many years. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Flint Lodge for over 60 years. He was also an active member of the Stilwell Kiwanis Club for over 60 years and served as President of the club in 1968. J. L. had a great sense of humor and was asked to give the closing story or joke to end the Kiwanis meetings.
He was a gifted writer and authored the histories of the First Christian Church, Kiwanis Club, Strawberry Festival and Masonic Lodge.
He volunteered in many civic capacities and served on the Stilwell Hospital Board, the Stilwell Library Board for 22 years and served in several other organizations.
J. L. was an avid jogger and won the annual Strawberry Festival Run in his age group 11 times.
Most of all, He was a dedicated servant of his Lord and Saviour and a kind, loving husband and father who blessed his family and so many others in his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, Owen, Ben, Henry and his sister, Marybelle.
He is survived by his wife, Marianna, of the home, his two sons, Anton Bovos and wife Kim of Stilwell, Marc Bovos and wife Christy of Poteau, OK, seven grandchildren: Ryan Bovos, Matt Bovos, Hallie Bovos, Brandy Brown, Star Leach, Lakota Elliott and Autumn Elliott, five great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 1 pm on Monday, January 26, 2015 at the First Christian Church, Stilwell, OK with Bro. Eldon Wilsons officiating. Interment followed at Stilwell City Cemetery, Stilwell, OK under the direction of Roberts/Reed-Culver Funeral Home.