Gary Eugene Gifford, 84, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on January 11, 1940, in Norton, Kansas, to James O. and Rosalie A. (Kjar) Gifford. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Denver, Colorado with the class of 1958. After high school, Gary joined the United States Army where he proudly served his country while assigned to the 101st Airborne and 1st Special Forces Group. During his time in the military, he also trained with the Army Rangers and Navy Seals. While serving in Okinawa, Gary was asked to be in the opening scenes of the war movie "Merrill's Marauders" that was being filmed there at the time. After his enlistment, he returned to Denver where he began working at Safeway while attending a Trade School studying computer programming and electronics. On September 27, 1958, Gary was united in marriage to Elizabeth "Betty" Saindon at St. Dominic Catholic Parish in Denver, Colorado. Five children were blessed to this union: Joseph, James, Jeffrey, Brenda, and Christina. In 1965, Gary and his family moved to Lexington, Nebraska, where he began a long career at Reach Electronics Inc. He worked for the company for 40 years before retiring. Gary became involved with the Heartland Military Museum of Military Vehicles in Lexington while still working for Reach, and following his retirement, Gary took over as the director of the museum.
In his younger years, Gary loved staying active and partook in various activities. He played for a minor league baseball team in Denver, learned how to box as well as spending his days rock climbing. Later on, he joined a band called "The Country Lads" where he was the guitarist and backup singer. He enjoyed roping as well as riding a good cutting horse. At one point, Gary rode with the Lexington Plumcreekers, an equestrian drill team, performing in rodeos and parades across the Midwest in the 1970's. In his older years, he found a love for the meticulous craft of creating model and electric trains. He loved spending quality time with his family and children, but he always held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchild. He will be greatly missed.
Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Elizabeth J. (Betty) Gifford of Lexington; his children, Joseph D. (Mary) Gifford of Aurora, Colorado, James D. Gifford of Cozad, Jeffrey D. Gifford of Goodyear, Arizona, Brenda M. (Drake) Ferjak of Fountain, Colorado, and Christina A. (Monte) Holbrook of Lexington; grandchildren, Preston (Bonnie) Holbrook, DJ (Sabrina) Salas, Jennifer (Ben) Caulder, Ryan (Johni) Ferjak, Galen Gifford, Felicia Holbrook, Rebecca Armijo, and Dallas Gifford; great-grandchildren, Devon Salas, Daniel Salas, Lia Salas, Briana Armijo, Dorian Holler, Mikailie Caulder, Deliliah Caulder, Emmett Caulder, Kaitlynn Benda, Kylie Benda, Oliver Ferjak, Barrett Stamen, Levi Holbrook, Cameron Holbrook, Evelyn Holbrook, Mycah Holbrook, Adien Holbrook, and Lowgyn Holbrook; great-great-grandchild, Savino Holguin; brother, Galen J. (Barb) Gifford of White City, Oregon; sister, Sharon K. Heaston of Aurora, Colorado; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his aunts, uncles, cousins, and daughters-in-law, Lori Gifford and Maddy Gifford.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Father Jose Chavez, officiating. A rosary will be held prior to the service at 1:30 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel.
Inurnment with military honors will be at the Cozad Cemetery in Cozad.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the Heartland Military Museum in Lexington.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com