Lehman “Joe” Halford, Abingdon, passed away at 5:57 am on August 18, 2022 at his home. He was born November 28, 1948 in Manila, Arkansas, the son of Lehman Joseph and Cora Mae Woodruff-Halford. He married Linda Lee McMullen on March 15, 1980, at Abingdon United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Permelia Belle Lewis.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda; his daughter Kristi (Sam) Anderson of Abingdon; his son Ken Huffaker of Mt. Pleasant, IA; 2 granddaughters, Addisyn and Corinne Anderson; a brother-in-law Jack Lewis, niece Donna Gaye (John) Davis, nephew Ronnie (Judy) Halford-Lewis, and nephew Randy (Linda) Lewis.
Joe worked for Gates Rubber Company in Galesburg, IL for 34 years, retiring in 2003. After retirement, he operated Joe’s Barbershop in Abingdon, IL from 2005 – 2010. In 2020, he and Linda opened the Halford’s House of Fabrics in Abingdon, IL.
Joe served in the United States Army in the 128th Signal Corps in Cam Rahn Bay, South Vietnam from 1970-1971.
Joe was a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church for 65 years. He was also a member of the Knox County Genealogical Society, the Spoon River Bee Association, the Abingdon American Legion Post #381, and the Piecemakers Quilt Guild. He was a 40-year member of the Abingdon Kiwanis Club and served as president multiple times. Joe was a founding member of the Abingdon Public School Foundation and was still an active member.
Joe was a Past Master of Abingdon Masonic Lodge #185; a life member of Scottish Rite Valley of Moline; a life member of the Royal Arch Masons, Warren Chapter #30; a life member of Illinois Council #1; a life member of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor, Illinois Priory #11; a Past Commander of Galesburg Commandery #8 Knights Templar; a member of the Sword of Bunker Hill, John J. Pershing Order #24; and a member of the York Rite College #42 of Peoria, Il.
Joe was a 33-year member of the Order of Eastern Star, Galesburg Chapter # 235, where he served as Worthy Patron with his wife multiple times.
Joe enjoyed beekeeping, gardening, model railroading, quilting, and spending time with his family. His greatest pride and joy were his granddaughters and all their accomplishments.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at the Abingdon United Methodist Church. Masonic services will be held following the visitation at 7 PM. Funeral services will be 11 AM on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at the church. Burial will follow services at the Abingdon Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted at the graveside. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville are assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Abingdon-Avon Public Schools Foundation. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.hurd-hendricks.com.
