George Sifford

George Wesley Sifford, 97, passed away in Cape Girardeau Sept. 1, 2024.

He was the son of Tilman and Jane Jones Sifford. He joined siblings Everett, John (Square), Fay and Joe in the Brown Community north of Puxico.

After attending Puxico Schools , he joined the U.S. Navy and was one of the youngest sailors in WWII. He served in the Pacific on the ship USS Point Cruz CVE 119 which ferried planes across the ocean. Returning to Puxico after the war, he became a founding member of the Puxico VFW. He helped construct the VFW building, served as commander for several years and promoted the Puxico Homecoming. Many times, he had to round up the goats for the famous goat burgers!

On March 10, 1947, he married his sweetheart, Norma Evans, in Piggott, Arkansas.

Two years later, their daughter Sandra Kay was born. To support his family, George decided to become a school teacher. He first attended college on the GI Bill at SEMO and Arkansas State earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He also attended Murray State with a Science Foundation Award and received his Master’s in Educational Administration at the University of Mississippi.

George’s first teaching position was in a one room school at Fry in Wayne County. Besides the regular lessons, he gathered fresh spring water for the students and built a fire in the wood stove. Next came Sturdivant— a two room school. Then he taught elementary and science at Fisk-Rombauer for nine years. Then he was selected at Puxico as high school principal , then superintendent for 17 years. Promoting educational advancement was very important to him.

After retiring from public school service, George became the Regional Coordinator for Developmental Disabilities covering eight counties in south Missouri. Once again, he was encouraging a fulfilling life for each individual.

After retirement, George spent some time with his farm and cattle. He enjoyed traveling, listening to bluegrass music, researching genealogy, and being with family and friends. He was a trustee of Fagan Cemetery over 65 years.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Norma; his grandson, Darrin Denbow; his parents and his siblings.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Sifford Denbow; and his grandson, Devlin Wesley Denbow.

Services will be held with Watkins Funeral Home in Puxico. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 with services at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept.7 at 10:00. Burial will be in the Puxico Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fagan Cemetery or the George Sifford Scholarship Fund.

Written By Family.