Timothy Joe Gifford

Timothy Joe Gifford, age 63, of Lamar, Missouri sadly passed away June 15, 2024.

 Tim was born February 26, 1961, in Yokosuka, Japan to Larry Gene Gifford and Jo Ellen (Jackson) Gifford. Tim's father Larry was a proud member of the United States Navy which landed the Gifford family in California as Larry's last duty station. Tim was a teenager when they got to California and from then on life was a party. Tim had three partners in crime in high school, Scotty, Robby, and Reed who quickly became lifelong friends and even more so brothers. Tim graduated from Vintage High School in 1979 in Napa, California.

Shortly after Tim graduated high school, he followed his family to the small town of Greenfield, Missouri. If you were to ever ask Tim about his time in Greenfield or Dade County in general, well you had better have some time to sit and listen. He could tell you stories about how he met his wife, Dawn Denise Olson, or the million and one stories of the good ole boys. Tim had a story for everything and storytelling was one of his favorite things to do.

During his stay in Greenfield, Tim and Dawn got married on June 8, 1985, in a church in Greenfield. Together they had three beautiful children, Chris, Aleesha and Brooke. Later Tim and Dawn moved to Utah for work. They lived there for many years and made many memories camping and exploring Bryce Canyon. Sadly after 26 years of marriage, Dawn passed away on April 1, 2011.

Tim moved back to Missouri in 2011 and landed in Lamar. He worked on hot rods, enjoyed Lamar Tiger football, and not to be forgotten he loved being a papa to his nine grandkids. Tim loved his kids, but his true pride was watching his grandkids grow. Tim always said he was going to be the best papa he could be, and he was.

Later in life, Tim met Kristin, who would become his best friend and girlfriend. Together they loved to fish for trout in Cassville, see the Kansas City Royals play baseball and bounce around antique stores.

Tim worked many jobs in his life but ultimately, he retired from working maintenance at Leggett and Platt in Carthage, Missouri.

Survivors include his mother, Jo Ellen Gifford of Sammamish, Washington; one son, Christopher "Chris" and wife Misty Gifford of Las Vegas, Nevada; two daughters, Brooke and husband Kolby Taylor of Lamar, MO., and Aleesha and husband Nate Markley of Crestview, Florida; nine grandchildren; girlfriend, Kristin Wise of Lamar; and two sisters, Trachelle and husband David Soldate of Sammamish, Washington and Tambra and husband Doug Bunter of Neosho, Missouri.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Larry Gene Gifford; wife, Dawn Gifford; and grandchildren, Caitlin Gifford, Brody Gifford, and Jaxtin Taylor.

A private family burial will be held.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.