John Wesley Gafford

John Wesley Gafford, 59, died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, in Amarillo, after a short battle with cancer. Graveside services will be at 9:45 AM MST Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM. Arrangements are by Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel, 2800 S. Osage St. John was born May 13, 1957 in Amarillo. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Infantry from December 4, 1979 until July 7, 1987. Following his military service, he worked as a contractor, providing logistical support to U.S. troops in Kuwait and Iraq. John was a dedicated employee for many long hauls over the road trucking companies, ending his service with Lone Star Milk Transport Hereford Depot. John was also an active member of the Board for the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Amarillo. He was tireless in his love and support of veterans. He proudly escorted numerous war memorial events and parades. He is survived by his sons, Tony Kayser and wife Carrie of Amarillo, Samuel and Andrew Gafford of Oklahoma; his brother, Larry Gafford and wife Linda of Amarillo; his sisters, Ruth Whittington and husband Steve of Amarillo, Rose Dominguez and husband Larry of Las Cruces, NM, and Winnie Hudgens and husband Bradley of Cheyenne, WY; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Emma Gafford; one sister, Nancy Ann, and one brother, Arthur Gafford. Special Thanks to the nurses on the 3rd floor, Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center, Hospice Care for their kind and caring support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Texas Panhandle War Memorial, 4101 Georgia St S, Amarillo, TX, 79110. SERVICES Graveside Service Wednesday, November 23, 2016 Santa Fe National Cemetery 501 N. Guadalupe Street Santa Fe, NM 87501