David Willford

AUSTINTOWN - A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, at 11 a.m. at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, with Pastor Rebecca Zielke officiating for David L. Williford, 68, who passed away Friday evening at his home.

David was born May 7, 1948, in Youngstown, a son of the late James M. and Mildred (Knapp) Williford.

David graduated from Chaney High School and Kent State University. He retired after 30 years from the Department of Veteran Affairs as a field examiner, where he received many citations for his work with disabled veterans.

David was a member of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir and served on the church council. He was also active in Boy Scouts of America when his son was younger. He enjoyed classical music, traveling and loved cars, especially his Dodge Challenger.

David leaves his wife, the former, Eleanor A. "Ellie" Gwizdale, whom he married April 1, 1978; his son, Dr. John-Michael (Shelby) Williford of Chicago; a stepbrother, David (Judy) Fisher of Berlin Center; three nieces, Chris (Aaron) Hellam and their son, Noah of Marysville, Amy (Brad) Haney and their son, Sam of Arcanum, and Holley (Matt) Turner of Boardman; his best friend for more than 60 years, Larry (Sandy) Kamoda of Austintown; a nephew, Matthew (Olivia) Kamoda of Austintown; and many cousins.

David was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Michael and Ella Knapp, who raised him.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, material tributes may take the form of donations to the Lord of Life Lutheran Church's Music Organ Fund, 550 N. Broad St., Canfield, OH 44406.

Professional arrangements are being handled by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.