Washington, Utah - Fay D. Gifford, 87, passed away October 4, 2013. He was born October 22, 1925 in Torrey, Utah to Dewey and Nell Gifford. He married Dessma Jensen in Torrey, Utah on August 26, 1951. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple.

He was raised in Fruita, Utah which is now beautiful Capital Reef National Park. He attended high school in Salina, Utah. He served in the Navy during WWII. After the war, Fay attended BYU.

Fay loved hunting, fishing, camping and being with family. He lived and raised his family in Toquerville, Utah. He worked on the Nevada Test Site as a fireman for many years.

Fay fulfilled four missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - as a young man in Canada and three missions later in life with his wife Dessma to Northern Idaho, the Philippines and Korea. They also served as Temple workers at the St. George Temple for 18 months, where he worked as a sealer. He was set apart as a sealer by Elder Gordon Hinkley. He served in the Toquerville Ward Bishopric for 5 years.

Fay is survived by his wife, Dessma Gifford; daughters: Pamela (Gary) Sherrill, Kathy (Steve) Flowers and Candice (Steve) Riding; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Dale (Carolyn) Gifford. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Nell Gifford; brother, Lloyd Gifford; sister, Twila Mattsson; and son, Kim F. Gifford.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Washington LDS 1 ^st Ward Chapel, 82 North Main Street, Washington, Utah. A visitation will be held Wednesday, prior to services, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p. m. at the Chapel. Interment will follow at the Washington City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.