Don Gifford
November 24, 2011
Don was born March 8, 1924 in Elk City, NE. to Arthur and Irene 'Frye' Gifford. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1942 then attended Midland College in Fremont. He Enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on May 23, 1944. Don was assigned to the 343rd squadron, 55th Fighter Group, flying the P-51 Mustang, and stationed at Wormingford, England. As a pilot Don was shot down during the Battle of the Bulge and landed behind enemy lines in France and was rescued by the French. He returned to the United States in November 1945. Don was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Don worked as an International Harvester dealer then operated Gifford Lumber and finally retired as a building developer. Don served the Fremont Community as the Board Chair of the Fremont Housing Agency and was named Commissioner of the Year of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.
Don was a member of the First Congregational Church, UCC of Fremont serving in various capacities including the building planning board for the current church. Don was also a member of the Fremont Masonic Lodge No. 15 A.F & A.M., Scottish Rite, Tangier Shrine, Fremont Golf Club and was an avid fan of University of Nebraska Athletics.
Don was married to Fern A. Moss on September 24, 1944.
Survived by:
Wife - Fern of Fremont
Sisters - Marge Andersen of Arlington
Ruby House & Ched of Arlington
Children - Robert Gifford and Maureen of Chicago
Paul Gifford and Melanie of Fremont
DeEtte Anderson and Frosty of Lincoln
Grandchildren - Megan Gifford of Chicago, Marty Gifford and Jenna of Fremont
Mark Gifford and Ginger of Bennington, Giff Anderson and Betsy of Lincoln
Emily Hansen and Chris of Webster City, IA
and 14 special great-grandchildren
Don will always be remembered as loving father, and Big Papa
Memorial Service will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday November 29 at the First Congregational Church, UCC, in Fremont. With Military Honors. Visitation will be 6pm to 8pm with family on Monday at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational Church, UCC and the Fremont Area Community Foundation.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Obituary Provided By:
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE 68025
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