Herbert “Herbie” P. Sifford, 98, died Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at Kansas Christian Home in Newton.
He was born Jan. 12, 1920, in Greer, Mo., to John O. and Elva J. (McGuire) Sifford. On April 9, 1944, he married Ruth Slusser at Wichita, and she preceded him in death on Aug. 30, 1983.
Herbert was a retired from the Santa Fe Railroad after working 38 years. He was a longtime member of the Santa Fe Railroad Union.
As a member of Columbus Avenue Church of Christ in Newton since 1955, he was active in the ministry of the church. He helped build their current building and as his health permitted was active though the years in its maintenance.
Family was an important part of Herb’s life. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his loving family and many friends. He often could be found enjoying his beloved fast food at local restaurants and especially enjoyed McDonald’s and Taco Bell. Herb started many mornings at his coffee group that met at the Druber’s donut shop where he kept up on the goings on around town.
He is survived by his two daughters, Mary and Michael Hildebrand of San Tan Valley, Ariz., and Nancy and Larry Hall of Newton; brother Ernest Sifford of Overland Park; five grandchildren Kip Hildebrand, Brandon Hildebrand, Jim Hall, Jessica (Gabe) Zapata and Kristy Hall; and eight great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Hall, Jake Hildebrand, Connor Hildebrand, Shandi Hall, Jayden Hall, Dylan Miller, Alex Zapata and Olivia Zapata.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brothers Ivan and George Sifford.
A celebration of life service will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Columbus Avenue Church of Christ in Newton with Minister Buddy Aldridge officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home. Private burial will be in Restlawn Gardens of Memory in rural Newton.
Memorials are suggested to Columbus Avenue Church of Christ for Leadership Training for Christ in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
