John A. Gifford II, 73, passed away September 27, 2010, in his home in Pittsburg, Mo., with his family and his beloved dog, Charlie, by his side.
John was born in St. Louis on May 6, 1937, to Alfred and Florence (Withington) Gifford. He was married to Betty (Bean) Gifford on September 9, 1955. After high school, he joined the Air Force where he received many honors and awards for exellence of service. Following his military discharge, he served as a Methodist student pastor in Lancaster, Mo. During this time, he attended Northeast Missouri Teachers College where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He spent most of his professional career in education as a teacher, counselor, or principal. He was an avid reader, loved the outdoors, and enjoyed woodworking. He was a member of the Bolivar Woodworking Club, Archaeology Club, and was a member of the Shepherd of the Hills cast, playing “Doc.” He was interested in a lifetime of learning, and wanted to leave things better than how he found them. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all those he touched.
John is survived by his wife, Betty; son, Dean and wife Vonna Gifford; three daughters, Lorie and husband Vance McCurdy, Donna and husband Dr. Ronald Ochsner, and Linda Gifford; 16 grandchildren, Justin, Sara, Jordan, Christopher, Ryan, David, Daniel, John, Sam, Willie, Joshua, Zach, Katie, Melissa, Jamie, and Mary; and six great grandchildren, Jake, Maggie, Austin, Rami, Leila and Sianna.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Clara Baer; and grandsons, Jonathan and Richard.
Memorial service for John will be held Saturday, October 9, 2010, at 2p.m., in Greenlawn East Funeral Home, with visitation on Saturday from 12 to 2 p.m. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital .