George Richard Gifford

George "Richard" Gifford, 73, of Van Buren, passed away Monday evening, October 10, 2022 at his home. He was born March 7, 1949 in Mulberry. Richard was a retired mechanic and shop foreman at Arkhola Sand & Gravel. His favorite past time was fishing, hunting, playing dominoes and taking things apart and putting them back together. He was a member of the Kibler Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Viola Henrietta (Keller) Gentry; his father, Andrew George Gifford; stepfather, Bill Gentry; and a sister, Doris Jean Rice.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Cathy Gifford of the home; a daughter, Angie Kalmijn and husband Marc of Van Buren; a son, Jeffrey Gifford and wife Carrie of Bigelow; a sister, Glenda Leathers of Quinlan, TX; a brother, John Bruce Gentry of Pottsville, PA; his grandchildren, Christian Dye, Chandler Dye, Emma Gifford, and Laney Gifford; and several nieces and nephews.

Family-hosted memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 14, 2022 at Kibler Methodist Church. Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR. Committal service will be at a later date.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 13, 2022 at the Main Attraction, 701 Main, Van Buren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Van Buren Boys & Girls Club, 1400 City Park Road, Van Buren, AR 72956; or Kibler Methodist Church, 19 E. Kibler Hwy, Alma, AR 72921.