A Community-wide Celebration of John William Allford’s life will be held on July 9, 2006, in the McAlester High School/Cafeteria Hall, 1 Buffalo Drive. John died on June 7, 2006, following a tragic accident on February 26, 2006, from which he never recovered. On the evening before John’s accident, the Sertoma Club presented John the “Service to Mankind” award before a gathering of friends. There have been only 14 awards given in 35 years in the Clubs history. The Sertoma Club recognized John for exceptional Community volunteer service. At the time of his death John was Vice President and Secretary of the Board of First National Bank where he was employed for more than 40 years. His devotion to work and bank employees, who were his family, and his respect and admiration for his devoted friend, Mrs. Wanda Bass, brought great joy to John. Although John was involved in his community and gave generously of time and contributions, he was most devoted to the Blevins Nursing Home Ministry, a church service he founded. He and his volunteer Assistant, Carol Stephens, conducted services every Tuesday evening. John loved and cared for the residents, they were his fellowship, his congregation, he was their “Presence of Christ”. As a volunteer, John worked at McAlester Regional Hospital weekends; he brought new energy and joy to the nursing staff for more than 10 years. Their memories of John “fill a book”. John was a member of First Baptist Church, McAlester, Oklahoma where he was an ordained Deacon. In 1991 John became a Charter member of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, National and was a leader in establishing Cooperating Baptist Fellowship of Oklahoma, serving on the Constitution Committee and acting Parliamentarian. John’s spirit of Mission and Ministry was recognized beyond his community. Eager to provide Theological education and equip laity to fulfill their spiritual calling, John provided Seminary Scholarships through Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Women in Baptist Life and Cooperating Baptist Fellowship. The following are some charities John faithfully supported: Red Cross, Martin Luther King Committee, Boys and Girls Club, Salvation Army, United Way, The Oaks Rehab Board, Pittsburg County Holiday Commission and many other organizations. Memorials may be made to a Charity of your choice in remembrance of John. The Community Celebration will be an informal time of music and spontaneous sharing, please join John’s family in this celebration.

Date: July 9, 2006, Sunday

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Place: McAlester High School/Cafeteria Hall, 1 Buffalo Drive.

A reception will immediately follow the celebration.

The closing words of 1 Corinthians Chapter 3 from the Message reads, “Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly and the best of the three is love”. John claimed this scripture and lived it to the end of his days on earth. Today he is sharing hugs in Heaven and we rejoice in his goodness. Shalom dearest brother, Cousin and friend, our lives are made better for having known you.
(McAlester News Capital, July 7, 2006, With Permission)