Gerald "Jerry" Lee Gifford

Gerald "Jerry" Lee Gifford, 77, of Springfield, passed away at 1:45 a.m. on Monday, December 24, 2018 at Memorial Medical Center. Jerry was born on August 14, 1941 in Grand Island, Nebraska, the son of Joe and Carolyn Rapp Gifford. He married Mary Kay Larison on November 21, 1964 in Springfield. Jerry was a 1959 graduate of Lanphier High School and a 1964 graduate of the SIU Carbondale School of Business. He was employed in Asset Management with U.S. Bank for over 38 years. Jerry was a 35-year Rotary member and a board member for Lincoln Memorial Gardens. He loved traveling, playing golf, spending time with family and DIY projects. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay Gifford of Springfield; one son, Ryan M. Gifford of St. Louis; two daughters, Drs. Jennifer (husband, Randy) Western of Rochester and Lisa Montagu of Denver, CO; eight grandchildren, Paul, David, Megan, Adam, Jacob, John, Nicholas, and John; five siblings, Carol Westcoat, Suzanne (husband, Ed) Purcell, Marge Regan, Jackie (husband, Rick) Coleman, and Rodney (wife, Debbie) Gifford. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Private family Mass will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 730 South 12th St., Springfield, IL 62703. The family of Gerald "Jerry" Lee Gifford is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.