Wayne Daniel Gifford

Wayne Daniel Gifford, son of the late Elmer Lawrence Gifford and Velma Ruth (Sayers) Gifford, was born in Lebanon, Missouri on September 30, 1955. Wayne spent his formative years attending schools within the Laquey School District through the eighth grade. He began his high school journey at Richland High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1973 at the age of 16. During his time in college at “Hard Work U”, Wayne took pride in holding various positions, including truck driving. After graduating, he prepared to join the United States Marine Corps, completing basic training and serving a year in the Reserves. However, when the time came to begin active duty, Wayne chose to pursue law school instead. After earning his law degree at the age of 22, he began his own legal practice in May 1978. He was elected as prosecuting attorney in August 1978 and was sworn in on January 2, 1979, at the age of 23. At the time of his swearing in, the prosecuting attorney’s position was a part time position. On January 1, 1979, Wayne married Linda Carol Butler in Lebanon, Missouri. Their union lasted over 46 years and brought them two children: Brad and Jessica. Wayne enjoyed collecting and operating John Deere tractors. He also loved taking road trips, reading, and watching movies, with a particular fondness for films starring John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Wayne was an active member of the Democratic Party and the Pulaski County Bar Association. He supported various organizations, including the USO and YMCA, and during his high school years, he was part of the FFA. Wayne passed away on his 70th birthday, Tuesday, September 30, 2025, due to injuries sustained in a traffic accident. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Wayne is survived by his wife, Linda Gifford; his two children, Brad Gifford of Laquey, MO, and Jessica Gifford and her husband Isaac Dodson of Fulton, MO; his grandson, Henry Dodson of Fulton, MO; and four siblings: Rebecca Atwell and her husband Kenneth of Hurst, TX, Robert Gifford of Licking, MO, David Gifford and his wife Anne of Columbia, MO, and Paul Gifford and his wife Sharon of Laquey, MO. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his brother Phillip Gifford. Wayne was known for his big heart, touching the lives of many through his legal practice and as a host dad to several foreign exchange students. His kindness and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in memory of Wayne Gifford to the Pulaski County Bar Association Scholarship Fund, Genesis: A Place of New Beginnings, or Gideon Bibles and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Wayne Daniel Gifford

September 30, 1955 - September 30, 2025