John Gifford

John Gifford, 91, of Robinson, IL, died at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 15, 2018 in the comfort of his home. Born May 30, 1927 in Oakland, IL, he was the son of Earl Levi Gifford and Lillian (Richerson) Gifford. Both preceded him in death. In 1950, he married Virginia Ashby. Two daughters were born to this union and Virginia preceded him in death in 1977. Also preceding him in death were daughter Jana Kay Vennard and sister Bernadine Lester. On August 10, 1980, he married Thelma Davis Miodus and she survives. Other survivors include daughter Deadra Lynn Gifford, Robinson, step children Mike (Beth) Davis, VT and Suzie (Larry Nickell) Davis, IN. Grandchildren include: Travis (Jennifer) Utterback, Robinson, Levi (Lindsey) Vennard, Lawrenceville, Jandi (Danny) Cravens, Robinson, Lauren Ashley Vennard, MO, Kyle (Regan) Blankenbeker, Robinson. Step Grandchildren: Colin (Katy) Davis, Craig Davis, VT, Becca (Miles) Holbrook, VT. Great Grandchildren: Lane Utterback, Dylan Cravens, Madison Utterback, Eli Vennard, Issac Vennard, and Lillian Blankenbeker. Step Great Grandchildren: Asa Davis, Oona Davis, Adler Holbrook. Great Great Granddaughter: Allison Utterback. John left high school to join the U.S. Navy in 1945 and proudly served his country in the Pacific Theater during WWII. After an honorable discharge, he returned to graduate high school in 1947. Upon receiving a BS and MS from Eastern Illinois University, he taught in various schools for 10 years before accepting the position as principal and teacher at Flat Rock Elementary School. He served there for 25 years until the school closed. He finalized his career by continuing to teach at Washington Elementary School in Robinson for a number of years. The testament to the impression he left on his students is the innumerable occasions he was fondly greeted in public by them to the very last days. John was a 75-year member of the American Legion and was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association, and the Robinson First United Methodist Church. He also served on the board of the Robinson Public Library for 14 years and many years on the Westlake Board of Directors, where he served as president as well. In 2008, the Robinson Chamber of Commerce recognized John as “Citizen of the Year” for his dedicated management of and service to the Food Pantry for over 13 years. He was always quick to credit “fine help from the community”. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 19th at the Robinson First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 20th at the church with Rev. Jay Regennitter officiating. There will be a time of reflection during the service where family, friends, and former students are invited to share some favorite memories of John. For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available at www.robinsonfumc.org/livestream. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery, where military services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, American Legion Post #69, and Marine Corps League Det. #546, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to “The Robinson Food Pantry” or “N.O.W.” (Nutrition on Weekends), the local program for feeding underprivileged children. Envelopes will be available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.