Lewis "Owen" Gifford, 83, of 127 E. Polk Avenue died Friday evening, December 29, 1995 at The Clairemont.\r\nHe was born September 25, 1912 in Bear Creek Valley, Town of Canton, Buffalo County the son of William and Mary (Owen) Gifford. As a child he moved to Durand with his parents and attended Durand schools, graduating from Durand High School.\r\nOn June 25, 1941 Owen married Velma Ede at Thompson Valley Lutheran Church, Mondovi. They lived a few years in Bear Creek Valley where Owen served on the school board and as town assessor in the Town of Canton. He was Master of Durand Masonic Lodge #149 F&AM. \r\nOwen and Velma moved to Eau Claire in 1957. Owen had worked at S.M. Auto Supply, Ede Motor Sales, and later at University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire until his retirement in 1975.\r\nHe was a member of First Lutheran Church\r\nOwen is survived by Velma, his wife of 54 years; many nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Harvey Gifford, and a sister, Ruth Walker; a niece, Marie Weiss, and nephew, Harvey Jr.\r\nFuneral Services will be at 2 P.M. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church, with Pastor Robert E. Esse officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire.\r\nFriends may call 4 to 8 P.M. Monday at Lenmark-Gomsrud Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church. Public masonic rites will be at 7:00 P.M., con-ducted by Durand Masonic Lodge #149 F.&A.M.

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