Joseph (Joe) Tilmon Sifford, 97, passed away on February 11, 2017, in Springfield, Missouri.
A lifelong resident of Puxico, Missouri, Joe was not only a loving husband, dedicated father and grandfather, loyal friend, and ornery brother, he was also a cornerstone of his beloved Puxico community.
Joe championed education as a member of the Puxico School Board. He gave families a place where “Your “$’s Have More ¢’s” at Joe Sifford's Grocery. And he learned the name of many Puxico residents as he handed out Hubba Bubba chewing gum along his route as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service.
During World War II, Joe served his country with the same loyalty and work ethic with which he served his hometown. As a radio man in the U.S. Navy, Joe used Morse Code to send and receive coded messages that protected lives and influenced the outcome of the war. On September 2, 1945, Joe was aboard the U.S.S. Idaho as it anchored in Tokyo Bay for the signing of the Japanese Surrender.
Joe and wife, Verna, were parents to one daughter, Joan, whose generous spirit and joyful disposition is a tribute to the loving home they created. Now of Springfield, Missouri, Joan and husband, Wayne Finger, have raised three Sifford-proud children, LaShae (Steve), Lisa, Craig (Shawn) and four grandchildren (Emily, Jacob, Lucas and Levi), two of whom carry Joe’s name: Jacob Joseph and Lucas Tilmon. He is also survived by baby brother George (Amos), his partner in mischief.
He was preceded in death by his wife Verna, mother and father Jane and Tilmon Gifford, infant sister Valeria, brother Everett (Hook), John Albert (Square), and sister Faye Sifford Cookson.
Joe was also an active member of his church, Kinder Baptist, where his booming baritone shook the pews on every chorus of “How Great Thou Art.”
Perhaps what he’s best known for, Joe was the “voice” of Puxico Homecoming for more than 50 years. Together, he and Verna sat chair-to-chair at the Homecoming announcer’s table nearly every summer of their 61-year marriage. From promoting goat burgers and corn dogs at the Lady’s VFW booth, to giving away “bicycles, tricycles and little red wagons” in the children’s drawing, Joe’s deep, sincere laugh and playful banter with every passersby, made his gentle voice the friendly, familiar sound that welcomed us all back home.
In celebration of Joe’s final Homecoming, family and friends will gather at the Morgan-Sifford Funeral Home in Puxico, Missouri, for visitation on Monday, February 13 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and for the funeral on Tuesday, February 14 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Puxico High School, Joe Sifford Education Scholarship Fund; in care of Anthony Sifford, First Midwest Band, 141 E. Richardson, Puxico Missouri 63960.
