Kenneth Ray Gifford, age 69, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and long time Wellington area resident, passed away on December 7, 2007, at Sumner Regional Medical Center, in Wellington, Kansas.

Kenneth R. Gifford was born March 2, 1938 in Woodward County, OK. to Ray H. & Loretta M (Drake) Gifford.

Kenneth R. Gifford married Barbara J. (Wood) on April 25, 1959 in Park City, KS.

Kenneth worked four years for the Santa Fe Railroad and Johnson Brothers Oil Service. In 1961, he went to work for Welco as a machinist. He retired in 2002 from BAE Systems as an inspector after 41 years of employment.

Kenneth loved horses and learned to ride at an early age. He went on cattle drives with the Ferguson Ranch and participated in the Little Britches Rodeo in Woodward, OK. Kenneth's family moved to Wellington when he was 12 years old and he continued to ride in the local rodeos. Kenneth continued to enjoy horses and owned several throughout his life.

Kenneth worked for Krogers Grocery & Wrights Creamery. At age 16, he bought his first truck and worked for several different farmers. In 1955, at the age 17, he joined the United States Navy. He took his training at Great Lakes, Illinois and was assigned machinist mate to the USS Wasp where he served until 1959.

His main love was for his family. He held a special place in his heart for his grandsons and great grandson. He cherished summer visits with them. He also enjoyed get-togethers with family and friends and talking about old times.

Kenneth was a member of the First Christian Church, American Legion in Wellington and VFW in Derby.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Wilma Gifford.

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Barbara of Wellington, KS; two sons, Kenneth V. Gifford and Mark. F. Gifford and his wife Karen all of Wellington, KS; one daughter, Yvonne L. Bennett and her husband Steve of Spring Hill, KS; one brother, Herbert Bryson and his wife Sandy of Wellington, KS; four sisters: Lois McPherson and her husband Jim of Wichita, KS, Virginia Shaddix and her husband Carl, Bobbi Bradford and her husband Wayne, and Janit Rountree and her husband Gene, all of Wellington, KS; three grandsons, Clint Kotchavar of Lawrence, KS, Bryan Kotchavar and his wife Stephanie of Spring Hill, KS and Scott Bennett of Lawrence, KS; one great grandson, Logan Kotchavar of Haysville, KS; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. at the First Christian Church with Pastor Sallie Shore officiating. Interment will be in Sumner Memorial Gardens.

Memorials have been established in his name with Hospice Care of Kansas and the Avenue of Flags.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, December 10, 2007 from 9:00–9:00 P.M. The family will greet friends from 6:00-8:00 P.M.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.