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Ike Stafford Obituary
IKE STAFFORD
Charles Ike Stafford passed away peacefully in Ozark, Missouri on February 20, 2024 at the age of 74 after a long illness. He was born to Raymond Stafford and Lorraine Stafford on August 3, 1949.
Ike graduated from Glendale High School in Springfield, Missouri in 1967. He found his passion in life at an early age, through martial arts. He began taking Taekwondo lessons in the early 1970s. He became a black belt and founded his own gym, Martial Arts Center, which was located on Republic Road in Springfield for many years.
Ike turned his focus to kickboxing and was ranked in the top 10 in the world. While ranked #6 in the world, he fought for the world kickboxing title against world champion Yasuo Tabata in Tokyo, Japan on July 19, 1985. He earned respect in Japan, and as a trainer and manager he brought many fighters to Japan to compete. He trained hundreds of people in both Taekwondo and kickboxing. He created Fight Game Productions and promoted many kickboxing shows in the Springfield area. He was a Budo man and his love for the fight game was unparalleled.
He is survived by his sons, Brandon Stafford, Shane Stafford and Seth Stafford; his grandsons, Garrett Stafford and Logan Sisco; and his sisters, Jane Humphrey and Beth Garrison, with his sister Sharon McCullough having recently passed before him.
Thank you for all of those who have expressed their thoughts and condolences about Ike. We will have a Celebration of Life for Ike Stafford on March 23, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the upstairs landing of Springfield Brewing Company, 305 S. Market, Springfield, MO. Food will be provided.
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Kenneth (moat) Rushing
April 27, 2025
Rest in peace brother,you are missed !!
Debbie Zordel
November 2, 2024
I once lived in the Stafford house with Jane and her kids Drake, Sarah and I can´t recall her other son´s name. The house/mansion was the family homestead on Division Street My name was Debbie Ross back then. I have often wondered about Jane and her kids and Ike. I am so sorry to hear of Ike´s passing. Jane I hope you remember me. I would love to hear from you, if at all possible. You can find me on Facebook, Debbie Garrett Zordel.
David Nokes
June 24, 2024
A few years after becoming a police officer at Springfield I dropped in at Ike´s Martial Center. This was in the late 80´s. Ike took me in and I earned my Black Belt under Ike and had a couple of ring kickboxing fights with Ike and Howell Lewis in my corner. Ike was one of those very few men in my life that had major impact in my life. I miss him, but cherish the memories. There will never be another like Ike.
Steven Kendrick
May 18, 2024
Godspeed Mr. Ike Stafford... Thank you so much for everything you did for me, and many others in this life. I'm blessed to have had the opportunity to call you my friend and mentor. You will be missed ny brother, truly an amazing man... Oss
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Pam (Burton)Fuhrmann
May 17, 2024
Amazing man. He was a great Marial Artist. He mentored my son Jackie in kick boxing and attended many belt testings for our black belts in Taekwondo for my son Jackie, daughter, Holly and myself then at the EDGE Martial Arts School owned and operated by my son Jackie Burton and myself. May he rest in peace!
Chris
March 30, 2024
Ike was such a humble man and Sensi to many many people. He was definitely a peaceful man when not in the ring! One thi truly admired him for!He is Legend in fight game!
David woodall
March 27, 2024
OSS!
Alex Arnall
March 27, 2024
I fought on One of Ike San shows in 1995 and with in a few months started training under him from 1995-2010 . Traveled the world with him and built a great relationship . He was my coach , my Mentor and my big Brother .
I will never forget those years . Oss!
Dan Myers
March 24, 2024
He as me to help with a dimension down at the Ozark Empire Fair.
We did some floor exercises and he said Dan put this sigarect in your mouth. I sad I don't smoke.
He put both hands on my shoulders and said don't move. He proceeded to do jump spinning crescent right to my jawl. He grabbed me really quick and said you alright. I said I didn't move. I said what's next.
We had quite a crowd.
Sandy Bennett
March 24, 2024
Sensai Ike was one of a kind. He taught me so much about an art form that he devoted his life to and shared with so many. He will be missed by never forgotten.
Ian Garrison
March 23, 2024
After doing a few yrs in boxing at the boys and girls club I started my Martial arts journey with Ike at age 9. I thank you Sir. Oousss
Koa Viernes
March 21, 2024
Koa Viernes
March 21, 2024
Koa Viernes
March 21, 2024
Steve Miller
March 13, 2024
So many people including myself owe a lot to this great teacher!
brad fisher
March 7, 2024
So sorry to hear about Ike, he was a good man
Jody Bailey
March 6, 2024
Mr. Strafford was my first true martial arts instructor and taught me more than just martial arts...he was a hard but fair instructor that taught if you put in the work great things can happen... he was a very compassionate man and help anyone and everyone that came to him... I was not able to pay for lesson for a short due to closing of my employment... he let me continue taking lesson until I could start making payments again...There are so many great stories to tell of our friend, instructor, mentor... I am so grateful to have been one his students and known him personally. I will always be grateful for taking the time to believe in me. Thank-You Sa Bum Nim Mr. Stafford.....
Sara Coppage
March 6, 2024
My Uncle Ike was a beautiful soul. He kept us kids in line when we were young. He touched many people and will be missed tremendously. Love you Uncle Ike. OSS!
Sara Coppage
March 6, 2024
He is my beautiful Uncle. He was an amazing man. He will be truly missed by all. We love you Uncle Ike. OSS!!!
Damon and Rachel
March 4, 2024
Mr Ike was one of the best friends a person could ever ask for he was kind, honest and willing to help a friend out. I only had the pleasure of being his neighbor and friend the last few years; but me and my girlfriend enjoyed living next door to him and we are truly grateful to have known him and for him to consider us to be his friends.
Larry Edgar
March 4, 2024
Mr. Stafford which I always called him upon meeting. Ike was my first real teach of life, He let me come to class for two years, without paying on time. Broke my rib for fighting in public and kick me out of class for two weeks. My first class/school was at the Bennett and Gladstone location, 50 years ago. These were his rules in the early days, Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. But the most important thing I learned from Ike, was how focus to a task. Which has served me will my whole life. I still work on my skill building in accordance to the ideas he instilled in me and his students. Thanks Ike!
Alan Wylie
March 4, 2024
Ike was a great guy. He will be missed.
RANDY HORTON
March 2, 2024
I worked out with when he was a brown belt in the 70's he was a inspiration in my life . Be proud and walk in confidence in yourself in life is what I learned
Jim Hoover
March 2, 2024
We went to Dallas to a huge tournament and laughed all the way there and back with a car full of students. Ike was my friend long before I was one of his students. He was an artist at teaching the kids and adults. I remember him as my mentor. He was a hard teacher and classes were tough.
Alicia Eagleburger
February 28, 2024
I have so many memories of Ike. But when I first met him I was intimated knowing he was one of the top 10 kickboxers in the world. I thought "oh the damage he could do." but he was so sweet and gentle to me always. I was honored to have met him and his sister Jane. I will forever miss Ike, and he and his sister will hold a special place in my heart.
Brandon Stafford
February 28, 2024
Dad helped so many people get fit and improve their health. He will be missed.
Jane Humphrey
February 28, 2024
The BEST BROTHER three sisters could ever have THANK YOU BROTHER for everything and making a difference in so many lives! OSS
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