Shannen Lee Gifford

Shannen Lee Gifford’s song began on January 4, 1972, in Okmulgee, OK, the son of Marion “Bub” Gifford and Donna (Hilger) Patton. He was one of three instruments that filled the home with notes of love, joy, and friendship. Growing up with two sisters, Monica and PJ made for a fun childhood. Shannen had a sly sense of humor and a knack for making people laugh when they least expected it. As a child, he spent countless hours watching cartoons, playing video games, riding bikes with his siblings, and creating carefree adventures. Those moments of childhood will always be remembered by his family.

Shannen’s song played through graduating from high school to beginning his working career with Cherokee Nation Business as a Maintenance Supervisor. His song crescendoed when he married Kimberly Boston on June 15th, 2023, and there was nothing he loved more than time spent with Kim and his children (Tyler, Aidan, Jessi, Brandi, and Kinley) and ten grandchildren, watching them grow, playing sports and taking on life’s newest adventures. Shannen was a hard worker always doing whatever he needed to provide for his family. He was good with his hands and learned the art of woodworking, where he spent countless relaxing hours perfecting his craft. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed listening to music, especially country, and he could bend a few guitar strings himself. If he wasn’t plucking at the guitar strings, you might find him planning his next practical joke to play on an innocent by stander or trying new foods. Shannen loved eating so much and for that reason, his grandchildren called him “Papa Chubs“. The rhythm of Shannen’s song was found on an off road side-by-side, racing through the backroads, or cruising the lake on a boat, soaking up the sun and enjoying the day. He liked people and it showed in everything he did. From the first note to the last note if you heard Shannen’s song you felt like you had known him all of your life. In spite of all the plans Shannen had made for the future, his song on earth paused when he was called to his eternal home on February 7th, 2025, in Hulbert, OK. He was 53 years old and will be greatly missed.

Shannen is preluded in death by his grandparents, Ruby and Issac Gifford, his mother, Donna (Hilger) Patton, his father, Marion “Bub” Gifford, his uncle, Danny Gifford, his aunt, Georgia Mae Bowlin, and many other cousins.

Those left to enjoy the sweet music of his life and all he was include his wife, Kimberly Boston Gifford of the home and his children, Tyler Gifford and Baileigh of Ft. Gibson, OK, Aidan Gifford of Oologah, OK, Jessi Bailey and fiancé Christian Gray of Broken Arrow, OK, Brandi Gifford of Hulbert, OK, and Kinley Gifford also of Oologah, OK. He leaves two sisters, Monica Walela of Fredrick, MD and PJ Wolfe of Gloucester, VA. Shannen's music plays on in his ten grandchildren: Adison Bailey, Aubree Bailey, Braxton Gifford, Bailey Gifford, Elias Dixon, Paisleigh Gifford, Zimri Gray, Maylee McDaniel, Eniyah Dixon, and Tucker Gifford, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

Funeral services for Shannen will be held on Thursday, February 13th, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Reed-Culver Chapel with Pastor Christian Gray officiating. His family will receive guests on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Reed-Culver. Shannen will be laid to rest with his family at Keener Cemetery in Lost City.

Serving as pallbearers include Tyler Gifford, Aidan Gifford, Christian Gray, Buster Gifford, Kenny Boston and Roger Findahl. His honorary pallbearers are Sean Atchley, Tim Ridenhour, and Kent Marble.