John D. Stafford was born September 26, 1936 in Douglas County, MO to John and Elsie Stafford. He passed from this life on April 17, 2017 at 80 years of age.
He married the love of his life Lilly Gamble on December 21, 1957, and lived in their home in Springfield, MO until his death. John accepted Jesus as his savior as a teenager at Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church near his childhood home, where he still loved visiting every Memorial Day. John loved life, his favorite things were telling big tales, country music, bingo and most of all his love and pride for his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Andrew and Elsie Pearl Stafford, brothers; Paul and Roy and sisters; Golda and Eunice. John leaves behind: his wife of 59 years Lilly Stafford, daughter Cindi Lockhart and her husband David of Halfway, MO, grandsons: Brian Lockhart and his wife Sarah, Justin Lockhart and his wife Whitney all of Springfield, John and Brock Lockhart of Halfway, MO, sisters: Faye Hedrick, Susie Shalander both of Springfield, MO, brothers: Dale Stafford and his wife Leota of Willard, MO and Howard Stafford and his wife Wanda of Springfield, MO, great granddaughters: Emily and Madison Lockhart and great grandson Max Lockhart, along with many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 19, 2017 from 6-8 pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Funeral service will be Thursday at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to the Hillcrest High School Band Booster Club.