John Gafford

John Gafford, 84, of Waco, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2006.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 10, 1002 at the OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque, with the Rev. Steve Mansen officiating. A memorial video honoring his life will be shown.

Mr. Gafford was born in Dawson, New Mexico March 12, 1922 to Jesse Alison Gafford and Esther Rogers Gafford.

He married Marnelle Heare May 18, 1952 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. He was a WWII Navy Veteran serving as an original commissioning crew member of the USS New Jersey.

He graduated from the University of New Mexico with an Electrical Engineering Degree in 1955. Mr. Gafford worked as an electrical engineer for North American Aviation in Los Angles and General Electric in Philadelphia and for various utilities and utility consulting firms that developed electrical distribution systems in East Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He most recently worked for Brazos Electric of Waco and retired in 1992.

Mr. Gafford was an avid hobbyist with interests in amateur radio, computers, photography and model airplanes. Lately he enjoyed stitchery and was a member of the Texas Star chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America.

Mr. Gafford was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and neighbor who rendered the landscape of his life with wisdom, joy and love.

Mr. Gafford is survived by Marnelle, his wife of 54 years, sons Thomas A. Gafford and wife Margaret of Alta Vista, Virginia, James D. Gafford of San Rafael, California, John C. Gafford and wife Kathryn of League City, Texas, daughter Mary Ellen Cahill and husband Eddie of Glen Allen, Virginia, niece Terrie Wilson of Mountain City, Nevada, brother-in-law Robert L. Sandusky and wife Suzanne of Fairfax California, and grandchildren Olivia, Melinda, Jessica and Andrew Gafford and Caitlin and Connor Cahill.

Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity or the cancer charity of your choice.