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DR. TOM STAFFORD

About

Muncie Central High School University of Notre Dame

FUNERAL HOME

Greenlawn Funeral and Cremation Services

6750 Covington Rd.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

TOM STAFFORD Obituary

DR. TOM STAFFORD, 76, of Fort Wayne, Ind., passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023. Tom was born in Muncie, Ind. to Frank and Alice Stafford. He graduated Valedictorian from Muncie Central High School, where he earned a full academic scholarship to the University of Notre Dame (Go Irish!). Tom then graduated from Indiana University Medical School. For 40 years, Tom served the Fort Wayne community as a well-respected OB/GYN and had an unwavering commitment to his patients. While he loved being a physician, his true passions were his faith and family. "Tom was an active member of the Catholic community and used his faith as a guide to being the humble, kind, compassionate, and generous man we deeply loved." Tom is survived by his wife, Debbie Stafford, whom he met in high school. Tom and Debbie dated for four years, then married, and recently celebrated their 54th anniversary. "We are forever grateful to our mother for her boundless love and dedication in providing exceptional care of Dad during his final years." In addition, Tom is survived by his daughter, Jennie Stafford (Dr. Jim) Klinger; sons, Dr. John (Dr. Jenni) Stafford and Joe (Caroline) Stafford; sister, Sue Stafford; and brother, Dr. Joe (Joan) Stafford. Tom was also the proud Granddad to 11 grandchildren. "We find great comfort in knowing how blessed we are to have had Tom in our lives. Our sorrow is superseded by gratitude." The family held a private service followed by burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in memory of Dr. Tom Stafford to Healthier Moms and Babies (www.healthiermomsandbabies.org/donate). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenlawnmpfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Jul. 4, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for TOM STAFFORD

15 Entries

Pam Shimer

July 25, 2023

Thoughts and prayers to You his family and all his friends.
Dr. Stafford was my Ob-Gyn Dr. back in the day. Very nice humble man who truly cared for his patients and the little ones they were carrying. May his Soul rest in peace.

Nicki

July 10, 2023

I'm so sorry for the families loss. He was my Doctor for both of my children. Such a gentle soul. He will be missed.

Karen Henkel

July 6, 2023

I am so sorry to hear about Dr Stafford´s passing. I worked in his office for over 35 years with him and as his nurse for five years. He was always so compassionate to his patients and always was a Godly man. It is sometimes hard to find a doctor as successful as Dr Stafford who continued to be humble and always gracious. Working for him was one of my life´s blessings. He will be missed. He made such a difference in so many lives.

Sue Stafford

July 5, 2023

May you rest in peace my dear brother; I will so look forward to when we meet again! We will have an amazing reunion!

Timothy Bussick

July 5, 2023

From the staff at Bussick Orthodontics, we are deeply sorry for your loss and are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Nancy Jared DeWitt

July 5, 2023

I am so sorry for the loss of your husband ,father, brother and grandad. Tom was a special person . Always so kind and the smartest person I ever knew.
I have good memories of Sue baking him cookies to take back to ND ,while he was in college.
I will keep you in my prayers through this difficult time of sadness and loss.

Judy Jared Goelz

July 5, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of the family.

Joanne Mannes

July 4, 2023

My deepest condolences to your family. What a wonderful person Dr Stafford was. He always was unfailingly kind and respectful to those around him, whether a patient or colleague. I´m thankful to have worked with him.

Cheryl Foote

July 4, 2023

Debbie, we are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Praying for your strength through this emotional transition for you and your family.

Much Love, Cheryl & Tom Foote

Dennis Covert

July 4, 2023

Dear Debbie: Do you remember me, Dennis Covert? We were classmates at Storer Junior HS and at Muncie Central class of 1965. I lived on Wildwood Lane, just around the corner from where you lived on Petty Road. Dr. Stafford's father was my senior year English teacher and I knew Sue Stafford. I remember Tom riding a motorbike around the neighborhood back in the 1960s. I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find some comfort in the following poem by missionary Amy Carmichael:
"They are lost to us
Who are found to Christ.
They are not sent away,
Only sent ahead.
Sometimes they simply
Outrun us in this quick race home."
Sincerely,
Dennis Covert
Fort Wayne

Deb Wagner

July 4, 2023

Dr. Tom Stafford was the only doctor in the Fort Wayne area who would perform the annual examination on my when I turned 18. He was kind, patient an professional when working with my disability. I have spastic cerebral palsy.

Several years later, we connected when I was in Lutheran's chaplaincy program as we passed in halls to perform our duties with passion.

I will remember him for his faith, his endless love for his family, and his dedication to his profession.

Prayers for his soul, friends and family.

Sid Baker

July 4, 2023

Our family, and especially my wife, Judy, loved Dr. Stafford. May he rest in peace and enjoy being reunited in heaven with his former patients, including Judy.

Paul and Marion Lucy

July 4, 2023

We will miss our long time and very special friend.
God Bless you, Tom.
Paul and Marion

Deb Wagner

July 4, 2023

When I turned 18, Dr. Tom Stafford was the only doctor in the Fort Wayne area who would perform an annual exam. I have spastic cerebral palsy. He was patient, kind, and professional. Over the years, we developed quite a routine for the annual exam. When I was a student in Lutheran's chaplaincy program, we would often pass each other in the halls as we were off to perform our respective duties with passion. I will remember Tom for the faith we shared, the family he treasured, and his dedication to his work.

Prayers for his soul, his family and friends.

Fr. John Delaney

July 4, 2023

Dear Debbie and family, While it has been a number of years since I have seen Tom and you, or brother, Joe, I still remember you well and how many friends Tom served in the Fort Wayne community. He was a beloved doctor and you both were and are great gifts to the church. May Tom now rest with Our Lord for a life beautifully lived. My prayers for you in these days ahead.

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