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In the early hours of Sept. 2, 2003, Joe Dale Halford, 51, passed from this life into the presence of his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Joe was born June 12, 1952, in Brownfield. He grew up in Midland and Odessa and attended Permian High School.
On Jan. 5, 1973, he married Cathe Wimberley, and he remained completely devoted to her for 31 years. She was his Baby Doll, and he was her rock: steady, dependable, and totally supportive. When he said "for better or worse," he meant what he said.
Cathe and Joe raised two wonderful children, Jill and Jody. He was a proud dad who loved to brag on his kids. Jody brought Nick home for the weekend when they were in junior high, and he has been a devoted son ever since. These three have blessed Joe and Cathe with nine grandchildren who loved their Pa so much. He gave generously of his time, his money and his love, to each and every one of them.
Joe Halford was well known throughout "oil country" and never met anyone who did not admire and love him. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, knowledge about drilling rigs, commitment to excellence and absolute integrity. He would not lie for any reason, and when he gave his word, you could take it to the bank.
Joe gained his first oilfield experience at J&L Machine working for his father-in-law, Dub Wimberley, and became an expert oilfield mechanic. Joe worked for Bridges Equipment for 15 years. His employers, Mike and Jimmy Bridges, were also his close friends. They could, and did, trust him with their business as if it was his own.
Joe was a humble man who was always surprised and honored to hear that people thought so much of him. He was a gentleman to whom the little courtesies came naturally. He was also a "man's man" who enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing or just watching the grandkids play. He was an avid NASCAR fan whose support for Dale Jarrett never wavered. He loved country/western dancing, and ladies were willing to stand in line for the best dancer around.
Joe leaves behind a loving family, his wife, Cathe; their daughter, Jill Easterling; two sons, Jody Halford and Nick Castilleja and their wives, Stacy and Elsa; one granddaughter, Krysta Halford; eight grandsons, Jonathan, Ethan and Jordan Easterling, Dustin Flowers, Colten Carrell, J.D. (Joe Dale III) Halford, Christian Herrera and Hayden Castilleja. His parents, Nell and Gene Henderson; Bob and June Hudnall; his sister, Jan Eiland and husband, Eddie; two brothers, Bobby Hudnall and Craig Halford and wife, Lisa; his niece, Jennifer Halford; and nephews, Justin, Andrew, Aaron and Jacob Eiland, Cole Halford and Ryan Parker.
Joe was very close to Cathe's family, parents, W.L. and Leona Wimberley; sister, Janis McGee; and brother, Kevin Wimberley and wife, Tonia; niece, Jana House and husband, Sgt. Jeramy House, and their children, Taylor and Katelan; nephew, Joel McGee and wife, Lisa. Joe and Cathe both had aunts, uncles and cousins who all loved him. He will also be missed by hundreds of friends.
Memorials on Joe's behalf are being accepted at Pray Texas, 8715 Andrews Highway, Odessa, 79765.