WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
With his family surrounding him with love, David Carlton Gifford, age 82, of Three Rivers, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Dave was a kind hearted, generous, good humored, loving man who cherished his family, his faith, and his friends.
Dave was born December 21, 1942 in Vicksburg, the son of Claude and Maxine Gifford. Dave graduated from Mendon High School and married Mary Ann (Swartwout) Gifford in 1962. They recently celebrated 61 years of marriage. They were snowbirds, enjoying the best of both worlds in Michigan and in Florida.
Dave worked at Leer Sigler, Owens of Illinois, and General Motors. As well as loving his family, he nurtured foster children, raised horses, was a 4-H leader and served on the Fire Department for Mendon and Leonidas. He was a member of the St. Joseph County Posse, the Sheriff Reserves and the National Guard. He loved the Lord and attended Wakelee Bible Church in Michigan and Spark Church in Florida.
Dave had many different passions in different seasons of his life; snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, trap shooting, horseback riding, golf, playing guitar, kayaking, riding motorcycles, and going to breakfast with his friends. He loved being outside, enjoyed one on one time with his family and friends and found joy cruising the country side with others. Dave would always be the first one to spot a deer two fields over, the Eagle’s nest alongside the river or the owl in the tree. If you ever went on a ride with Dave, you never knew what time you would be back or what route you would enjoy. Most importantly, he loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren. He was often seen at many events supporting the ones he loved the most.
Dave is survived by his wife Mary Ann, children Tammy (Dan) Simon and Corey Gifford, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Three Rivers on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 4:00. A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 4:00 at Wakelee Bible Church (15921 Dutch Settlement Street, Marcellus, MI 49067). Condolences and memories may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com
