Gregory C. Halford

Gregory "Greg" C. Halford, 76, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023.

He was born February 19, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Gerald and Shirley (Wilson) Halford. He graduated from Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, Kansas. He also attended the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, KY, completing their Homicide Investigation program.

Greg's career in law enforcement started with the Joplin Police Department. He was recruited by the Topeka Police Department after his help preventing looting as Special Police following the devastating 1966 tornado that struck Topeka. He dutifully served on Topeka Police Department for nearly 30 years. Serving in various roles including patrol officer, traffic sergeant, and detective sergeant in crimes against persons, he culminated his career as a senior admin sergeant for the department in 1998. After his retirement from policing, Greg continued working as a Licensed Private Investigator with the Capital Investigative Services. His lifelong career in law enforcement led him to being a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police in Topeka and honorary member of the Kansas Sheriff's Association.

He had a passion for helping animals. Greg helped with animal rescue services and served many years as an Animal Rescue Transporter. Greg lost his wife Cheryl J. Halford in 1976. Greg's shared passion for animal rights connected him with Linda Gainer, an Animal Control Officer for the City of Topeka. They were married on November 1, 1995. Linda passed away unexpectedly in 2018.

He had a passion for music and learned to play the trumpet at a young age. He performed in a band and even cut a record single in his late teens. Before his career in law enforcement, he worked as an FTD floral deliveryman and as a Coca-Cola delivery driver. Greg enjoyed bowling and had a love of local sports. He enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Kansas Jayhawks, and the Pittsburg Gorillas.

Survivors include his children, Curtis (Danielle) Halford, Jeannie (Brad) Gilbert and Heather (Brett) Simnitt; two stepsons, Matthew Gainer and Patrick Gainer; grandchildren Robert Gault, Tayler Gilbert, Hannah Simnitt, Alyssa Gilbert, Haven Simnitt and Kaylee Gilbert; his two fur children, Nina and Willow, one sister JoAnn Jenkins and one brother, Mike (Cindy) Halford. His dear friend Stacy Hempen helped care for him the past few years. Greg was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Halford and by his parents.

A memorial ceremony with police funeral honors will be held at 3:00pm on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66604. Memorial contributions may be made to Saving Death Row Dogs, Topeka, KS.

Greg's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.

To leave a message online for his family, please visit the guestbook below.