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Belleville (KS) Telescope 22 Apr 1954
Thomas Edward Stafford
Thomas Edward Stafford, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Stafford, was born October 15, 1878, near Republic, Kan., and passed away April 10, 1954, at the St. Joseph's hospital in Concordia, after a long illness at the age of 75 years, 5 months and 26 days.
He grew to manhood on his father's homestead near Republic and was united in marriage to Mirtie Bell Morehead on July 12, 1897. To this union were born five children, three sons and two daughters.
He taught in Republic county schools for 15 years, later moving to Cuba where he was a rural route carrier for 30 years. After retiring he spent two years in Oregon and two years in California, returning to Belleville where he resided at the time of his death.
He was converted and joined the Methodist church in Republic at the age of 25. He was an active member of the Masonic lodge, Blue lodge, and Eastern Star for many years.
Having lived in Republic county the greater part of his life, he was widely known and respected by all who knew him. He was always ready to help in times of need and noted for his honesty and integrity as a wise counselor to those who sought his guidance. He is affectionately remember as "Prof." by those whom he taught, and as "the mail man" by many families in the Cuba area.
During his long illness, his patience in his suffering was an inspiration to those who visited or cared for him. He always had a cheerful smile for everyone, and expressed his thanks and appreciation for each small service bestowed upon him. He was a loving husband and farther and leaves to mourn his passing his widow, the three sons, Clyde L. of Trail, Ore., Doyle E. of Kansas City, Mo., Leon E. of Enid Olka.; two daughters, Mrs. William Schneberger of Cuba, Mrs. Richard Havel of Bellevue, Neb.; ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Bessie Holmes of Republic and Mrs. Carl Boylan of Hardy, Neb., and a host of other relatives and friends.
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