Robert Gifford (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Robert Morris Gifford, son of William Henry and Helen Marie Monson Gifford, was born March 22, 1949, in Santa Barbara, California. He departed this life Thursday, August 10, 2017, in his home, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of sixty-eight years, four months, and eighteen days.
His parents preceded him in death.
Robert is survived by two daughters, TinaMarie Starkey, and her husband, Henry, of Aurora, Colorado, and Mindalynn Sanders, and her husband, Wil, of Elkmont, Alabama; a son, Darron Gifford, of San Diego, California; six grandchildren, Cassandra and Max Gifford, Michelle, Breanna, KateLynn, and Henry Starkey; two brothers, Bill Gifford, and his wife, Donna, of Lincoln City, Oregon, and Rodney Gifford, and his wife, Cindy, of Lebanon, Missouri; a sister, Connie Erickson, of Lebanon, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; his fiancée, Janet Myers, of Lebanon, Missouri; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was raised in San Diego, California, where he graduated from high school and attended college for two years. He then entered the military as a young man and served his country faithfully in the United States Marine Corps from January 5, 1968, until being honorably discharged on July 21, 1969. He was involved in the Vietnam War and was awarded two Purple Heart medals for his heroic service. He returned to California, where he worked as a mechanic for Hawthorn Machinery for several years. In the mid 1990’s, he moved to Lebanon, Missouri, and began working for Laclede Electric Cooperative. He was involved in many capacities at Laclede Electric and took part in their golf tournament, working at their booth at the Missouri State Fair, and many other events. He retired from Laclede Electric in March of 2014.
Robert was raised in the Lutheran faith. He was very supportive of the American Cancer Society and had taken part in the Relay for Life.
He greatly enjoyed fishing, skeet shooting, and liked riding motorcycles. He owned an American 2003 Harley Davidson. He was in the process of rebuilding a 1956 Ford F100 pickup truck, but his favorite car was a 1965 GTO. He enjoyed cooking and particularly making breakfast with pancakes. He had helped in caring for his mother during her last days and was a very giving and generous person. He had made several special trips with his family including North and South Dakota, and also Alabama and Colorado.
Robert was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, fiancé, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them during his lifetime.
A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society and may be left at Holman-Howe Funeral Home.
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