Stephen Stafford

Stephen Len Stafford, 63 of Abilene, Texas, passed away at his home on Thursday, November 10, 2016.  A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hillcrest Church of Christ, 650 E. Ambler Ave. in Abilene, Texas, under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.

Stephen was the second son of Gordon Len Stafford, Jr. and Karla Wyatt Stafford.  He was the grandson of Gordon Len Stafford and Mary Wise Stafford, loving grandparents with whom he lived for part of his childhood.  Stephen is survived by his wife Barbara; one son, Robert Stafford and his wife Sheri of Alamogordo, New Mexico; and two stepdaughters, Joanna Contreras and her husband Paul of Tucson, Arizona and Stacey McGee and her husband James of Abilene, Texas; one brother, Wyatt Stafford and two sisters, Alyssa George and her husband Dean and Shannon Wingo and her husband Carl; step-mother Florita Stafford; and nine grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Stephen was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father and mother.

Before his death, Stephen wrote the following:

“The love of a good woman salves life’s many obstacles and I have known the love of a good woman.  The inkling I got of God’s love is from the woman who taught me about love.  I have many fond memories, from my early years of cowboying to my years of Judo tournament fighting.  I loved college and never quit learning.  I had a wonderful son, two delightful step-daughters, loving sons-in-law, a brother who always looked out for me, a dear, dear step-mother, two wonderful sisters and best of all…nine loving grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  I am also forever grateful for having two loving grandparents, who rescued me from the homes of strangers and raised me for the happiest part of my childhood.  The love of the Lord guided my steps and ensured I had a truly blessed life, regardless of the troubles of life visited upon me.”

Memorials can be made to Lakeview Christian Home of the Southwest, 1905 W. Pierce Street, Carlsbad, New Mexico, 88220 or to the charity of your choice.

Condolences can be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com .