Gerald Alford

Gerald D. Alford
Gerald Dean Alford, retired Area Engineer for KDOT, died Thursday, April 19, 2018 due to complications from Parkinson's disease.
Gerald was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Janice Maxine (Wiggins) Alford. Janice succumbed to cancer on May 24, 2002 at the age of 64.
Gerald married again on August 17, 2007 to Shirley (McDaniel) Alford. The two made their home at the McDaniel farm near Angola, KS. Shirley McDaniel had lost her husband at nearly the same time.
Gerald was eighty-two years old when he lost his lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Dorothy (Chrisman) Alford. Kenneth (Kenney) Alford, an older brother, also preceded him in death.
Gerald's second wife, Shirley (McDaniel) Alford, now survives at the home. Gerald is also survived by three sons, Michael Dean and his wife Debbie Lee (Terrill) Alford of Independence; Gerald Scott and his wife Debbie Ann (Ferguson) Alford of Logan, Iowa; Douglas Kirk and Venessa Jean (Cook) Alford of Independence; and one daughter, Lori Ann (Alford) Oldweiler and her husband Frank Lynn Oldweiler of Altoona, Kansas. In addition to these, Gerald is also survived by two stepchildren, Dale McDaniel and Janet Maritt, eleven grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, four step grandchildren, and one step great-grandchild.
Gerald had an unusual knack for repairing automobile engines as well as doing auto-body work. His wife Janice often commented that Gerald was "Handier than a pocket on a shirt."
He was GREATLY frustrated as Parkinson's made these things nearly impossible during his later years.
Visitation will be held at Potts Chapel in Independence, KS on Sunday, April 22nd from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. A celebration of Gerald's life will be held on Monday, April 23rd at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Independence, KS., with graveside services following at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence, KS. Friends and family are encouraged to visit www.pottsfuneralhome.com to leave a special message. A memorial may be left in Gerald's name to the "The Parkinson Foundation of the Heartland" or "The First Baptist Church", and can be left with Potts Chapel.

Visitation

Potts Chapel
122 South Penn Ave.
Independence, KS  67301
Sunday, April 22, 2018
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Service

Celebration of Life

First Baptist Church
220 S. Penn Ave
Independence, KS  67301
Monday, April 23, 2018
10:00AM

Cemetery

Mount Hope Cemetery
Penn Ave.
Independence, KS  67301

Memorial Contributions

The Parkinson Foundation of the Heartland
8900 State Line Road
Leawood, KS  66206

First Baptist Church
220 S. Penn Ave
Independence, KS  67301