Bernard Walford

Bernard Lyle Walford age 83 of York, NE died Friday, March 13, 2009 at Harlingen, TX. He was born December 9, 1925 at Gresham, NE to Benjamin and Nelle (Brittell) Walford. Bernie grew up and attended school in Gresham. He farmed with his dad on the family farm until he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS where he met his wife June (Verner) Walford. Upon his discharge from the Air Force they returned to Nebraska to continue farming. From there, Bernie worked for Sunstrand Aviation and retired in 1992. Bernie and June spent their retirement winters at South Padre Island, TX. Bernie enjoyed sitting by the bay watching the bird and wildlife activity and the beautiful sunsets. Bernie spent his summers at home working for Epco. Bernie was an avid Nebraska football fan, was member of the American Legion and the York Elks Club.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Rita “June” Walford of York, NE; daughters, Deborah (Dick) Richardson of Camano Island, WA, and Pam Phillippe of Stromsburg, NE; stepsons George (Judy) Duggan, York, NE and Michael (Sharon) Duggan, Forest Hills, MD; grandchildren, Christopher (Lydia) Phillippe, Lincoln, NE, Lori Williams, Slidell, LA, Joey (Wendy) Duggan, Ocean Springs, MS, Jamie (Chris) Jordan, Bel Air, MD, Mike Duggan Jr., Edgewood, MD, Sean Duggan, Shannon Duggan, and Amanda Dipietro, Forest Hill, MD and Mike Dipietro, Bel Air, MD. Also surviving are five great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Ben Walford and Floyd “Bud” Wallford, sisters, Helen Dey, Mae Stephenson and Janet Campbell, one niece and one nephew.

Memorials services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 23, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church, York, NE with Pastor Mike Eickhoff officiating. There will be a lunch following the service. Private family graveside service will be held at Cedar Lawn Cemetery, Gresham, NE at a later time. There will be no viewing or visitation as it was Bernie’s wish to be cremated. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.