Jerry Tift

Funeral services for Jerry Tift, 92-year-old Buffalo resident who passed away suddenly at his home in Buffalo, will be held Thursday, October 10th at 2:00 p.m. at the Harness Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Paul Gilbert officiating. Visitation will be at the Harness Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Interment will be in Willow Grove Cemetery, with military graveside honors to immediately follow the funeral. Online condolences may be made at www.harnessfuneralhome.com

Gerald Eugene Tift was born on September 6, 1932, in Sheridan, Wyoming to Leonard and Gretta (Bobbitt) Tift.  He grew up and went to school in Sheridan and graduated from Sheridan High School with the class of 1950.  After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean Conflict.  He received an honorable discharge and attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and graduated with emphasis in Electrical and Refrigeration.  He worked in the electrical field for a short time before attending Black Hills State.  After graduating from Black Hills, he went to work for the Wyoming Highway Department.  While working during this time, he obtained a Professional Engineer License in Civil Engineering. Following 30 years of services with WYDOT he sold real estate for several years.  After retiring, Jerry continued living in Buffalo until his death.

Jerry enjoyed spending time at his cabin in the Big Horn Mountains, which he built himself. He was a licensed pilot and owned two airplanes.  He was a Charter Member #124 of the Wyoming Pilot’s Association.  He was a life member of the American Legion and the VFW; the Sheridan Kalif Shrine and the B.P.O.E. of Sheridan.  He also enjoyed his independence and visits from friends and family.       

He is survived by one brother Arlan Tift and his wife Denise of Buffalo; and numerous nieces and nephews including Bruce Knudsvig and his wife Dawn and Tonjua French and her husband Jake of Buffalo.  He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and two brothers.