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Donald Paul Stafford, age 91, died unexpectedly on Friday, January 24, 2014 at his home. A lifelong resident of Waterford, Don had moved to Girard seven months ago to be near his family. He was born November 17, 1922, to the late Nelson Stafford and Beatrice Harbaugh. He married Ethel Mae McKay on June 14, 1947.
Donald was a 1941 graduate of Edinboro High School and spent his younger years working on the family farm. He served in the United States Army in World War II, seeing combat on Mindanao, Philippines, then finishing out his service in Japan when the war was over.
He worked for various employers, but retired from Raymond Showman and Sons as an operating engineer. Don was well known for building beautiful ponds. He attended the First Presbyterian Church of Waterford and was a life member of the American Legion Post 285. Don loved to hunt and to tinker with small engines–-he could fix anything. He planted a big garden every year and loved sharing the produce with friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his son, Doug Stafford; his brothers, Virgil Stafford and Blair Stafford; also, a brother-in-law, Clarence Blystone, and sister-in-law, Darlene Stafford.
He will be greatly missed by his family, which includes his wife of 66 years, Ethel Mae Stafford; two daughters, Dona Warner (Jim) and Diane Lanagan, all of Girard; six grandchildren– Michael Warner (Carolyn) of West Springfield, Julia Warner (Jeff) and Jennifer Warner, all of Girard, Kristen Pratt (Andy) of Lake City, Lee Lanagan (Kristi) of Corry, and Lori Lanagan of Girard; five great-grandchildren– Dylan, Luke, Ryan, Leah and Aubrie; also, one brother, Neal Stafford; two sisters, Marian Knapp (Merle) and Phyllis Blystone; and many nieces and nephews.
The family also wants to extend their thanks to all the nurses on the 8th floor at Saint Vincent Hospital.
Visiting hours will be at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be there Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will be in Waterford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Stancliff Hose Company, PO Box 275, Waterford, PA 16441, or to A.F. Dobler Hose, 37 Walnut Street, Girard, PA 16417.
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1922 - 2014 (91 years)
