Gerald Dean Hannaford, 81

A celebration of the life of Gerald Dean Hannaford, 81, of Gainesville, was held May 24, 2019, at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville. Mr. Hannaford died May 19 in Springfield.

He was born June 22, 1937, in Gainesville, the second of three sons born to Basil and Norma Hannaford. He went to school in Gainesville until the family moved to Belton. He graduated from Belton High School before enlisting in the Air Force.

On May 4, 1957, in Denver, Colorado, where he was stationed, he married Mary Ann Webber. They had two children, Richard and Sandra. He retired after serving 21 years in the Air Force and then moved back to Gainesville to work on the family farm.

Mr. Hannaford was a humble man. He never discussed the many awards and accomplishments he earned while serving in the Air Force. He was proud to have been a part of the Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird,” but his proudest achievement was his family. He taught his children that the simplest of things in life were typically the moments with the most joy. He extended his love of life to others and was one of the most recognized Boy Scout Troop leaders during his time at Beale Air Force Base in California. This love and appreciation were returned when, over 20 or 30 years later, his Boy Scouts would find him and thank him for all that he did to help them succeed.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Nimmo; his daughter-in-law, Nancy Hannaford; his grandkids, Darren Johnson and wife Kim, Justin Hannaford and wife Christina, Kayla Meharg and Kaitlyn Nimmo and grandson-at-heart, Delyn Meharg; his eight great-grandchildren; his brother, Norman Hannaford and wife Linda; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his aunt, Flo Runion.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; his son, Richard; his parents; and one brother, Don.

Burial will be at Brushy Knob Cemetery.

Arrangements by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.