Robert Dale “Bob” Gifford, 65, of Paxton, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 21, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Bob was born December 17, 1960, in Sutherland, Nebraska, to Eben and Margaret Gifford. He was a lifelong resident of Paxton where he raised his two children, Amanda and Jeremy. Bob was a devoted father. He took pride in their accomplishments and supported them through life’s milestones. He was a constant presence in their lives, cheering them on in school activities and teaching lifelong lessons with his patience, humor and steady guidance.

He began his career with Nebraska Public Power District May 1, 1979 and retired May 23, 2016. Known for his leadership in fire safety and rescue, Bob served as fire safety lead, environmental compliance and fire brigade chief for many years. He was a local, state, and national fire safety instructor, including several years as an instructor at Texas A&M’s annual industrial fire training school. Bob held numerous certifications and awards (no less than 123 in total) in fire and rescue from institutions such as FEMA, NPPD, OSHA, EPA, Texas A&M, among others; as well as an award for saving the life of a coworker on March 10, 2004. Bob served his community on the Paxton Fire Department for 35 years, he was a firefighter and EMT and served as Paxton’s fire chief from 1996–2006. In 2021 he was hired with Nebraska Game and Parks and worked many seasons as a Temporary Park Worker, Temporary Superintendent I and lastly a Park Superintendent II for Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala until his retirement August 1, 2024.

Active in civic and community life, Bob was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, a charter member of the Sons of the American Legion, he served as both vice chairman and chairman of the Paxton Village Board and served as Paxton Civil Defense Coordinator.

Bob met Rae Ellen in 2011; they were married August 8, 2015, and blended their families with warmth and laughter. He treasured his children and eight grandchildren and loved attending their activities. He was affectionately known to his grandkids as “Pa”. Plans for travel and retirement were eagerly anticipated but altered when he was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer in April 2024. He faced his illness with determination and grace. Even with his cancer diagnosis, his desire to live life wasn’t extinguished. He and Rae Ellen made numerous trips including a memorable trip to Europe where they visited Italy and Germany. While in Germany, Bob checked an item off his bucket list when he honored the memory of his dad by visiting the military base in Dexheim, Germany, where he had been stationed during his military service.

His hobbies included fishing, hunting, camping, woodworking, gardening and canning, shooting pool, and traveling. Bob loved cheering on the Huskers. The best game days were enjoyed with a big pot of “Pa’s chili,” popcorn, and a red beer. He was known for being strong-willed yet funny and loving and he had a particular way of doing things. The grandkids saw right through Pa and were rarely concerned about a soft scolding. He loved holidays with the family, but his favorite holiday was the 4th of July where he couldn’t hold back from being “on duty” in the driveway or street showing off his fire skills.

He is survived by his wife, Rae Ellen Gifford; children Amanda (Josh) Dack and Jeremy (Shaye) Gifford; stepchildren Troy (Danielle) Correll and Ashlee (Josh) Farley; grandchildren Everett, Violet, Graham, Bennett, Ruth, Alyssa, Breanna and Emma; his mother, Margaret Gifford; and brother Lonnie Gifford as well as many cousins and family members. He was preceded in death by his infant son Bryan and his dad, Eben Gifford.

Visitation at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte will be Friday, March 27, from 12:00-6:00 pm CST with family present from 4:00-6:00 pm CST. Rosary will be Saturday, March 28 at 9:00 am MST with funeral mass following at 10:00 am MST at Saint Patrick’s Church in Paxton, Nebraska. Memorials or donations in Bob’s memory may be directed to the Paxton Volunteer Fire Department.