John Stafford

John Howard Stafford, age 74, of Holts Summit, Mo., passed away peacefully Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Harry S. Truman VA Hospital in Columbia, Mo, surrounded by his loving family.
One of six children, John was born on May 30, 1950, in Borger, Texas to the late Lenward Price Stafford and Nellie "Lucille" (Roark) Smith. At the age of 11, John relocated to Jefferson City, Mo. with his family.
John was a 1968 graduate of Jefferson City High School. Shortly after graduation, he voluntarily joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He was awarded two Purple Heart Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal, along with others, for his service and received an honorable discharge in 1970.
Upon his return home, John met the love of his life, Patricia "Pat" Susan Maire and the two were united in marriage in Jefferson City on February 12, 1971. The couple shared a fairytale love story and built an incredible life and family that he was so proud of.
After starting his family, John decided to further his education at Lincoln University. He graduated in 1977 with his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and participated in the school's ROTC program as the battalion leader. Through ROTC, he joined the United States Army and again, proudly served his country until 1981. His patriotism and pride in his country was something he held onto firmly through the duration of his life, and he was a member of various VFW posts where he lived over the years.
Following his tenure in the Army, John began working in the engineering field building custom and track homes in Houston, Texas. A few years later, he moved his family back to Missouri and began his career as an Engineer/Project Manager for commercial construction at K&S Associates. He dedicated many years and his incredible work ethic to the company until retiring in 2014.
While his work and military service were major parts of his life, the foundation of John's life was found in his family. He made it a point to remain involved and active in both his children's and grandchildren's lives. When his sons were young, he coached their baseball teams and had a knack for creating teaching moments on and off the field. He found unique ways to spend time with family; restoring a 1950's era tractor to pull grandkids in a wagon behind, dedicating a corner of his woodworking shop with tools safe for small hands to build and create, and fishing with family in some of America's most beautiful and serene places. He also deeply enjoyed spending time with his extended Stafford family and looked forward to the many gatherings over the years.
John was a man who truly lived his life to the fullest. Known by his family to have a wild side, his constant desire to learn and grow led to his passion for traveling. Camping with his dad at a young age, John's love for the mountains was born. Together, he and Pat wintered in Galveston, Texas for many years, making him both a beach and mountain man. One of his favorite pastimes was enjoying a cup of coffee and walking the beaches each morning. The couple became full time RVers and traveled to nearly every corner of the United States. His favorite destinations include Yellowstone, the coast of California, Mackinac Island, Bennett Springs, and Roaring River. Sharing the journey with Pat, made the destinations even sweeter.
Extremely kind, generous, and outgoing, John rarely met a stranger. He found joy in getting to know people and their stories and was a master storyteller himself. Every person he met was greeted with a smile and often gifted a unique nickname. Channeling his inner Mr. Rogers, John was always one to offer help and would "not eat to feed you." His sense of humor and warm spirit made an encounter with him unforgettable.
A man of many hobbies, John was rarely found idle and was lovingly called the "World's Greatest Piddler." He found joy in woodworking, crystal hunting, deer hunting, and golfing. In his younger years, he raced dirt bikes and later in life, he owned two Harley motorcycles. He and Pat enjoyed hitting the highways with friends and on solo trips alike. John had a deep love for his four-legged family members and enjoyed taking them for walks, especially Toby, who loved him dearly. Never missing an opportunity for a teaching moment, to create a memory, or share a story, John's impact on the world around him is an incredible legacy that his family and friends will cherish for generations to come.
John is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Pat; children, Johnna Ellison (Stephen) of Tulsa, Okla., Joseph Stafford (Stacy) of Jefferson City, Mo., and Nicholas Stafford of Taiwan; siblings, Donna Hoffman (Mike), Mike Stafford (Missy), and Judy Wilson (Terry); brother-in-law, Albert Robinett; sister-in-law, Barbara Stafford; grandchildren, Chelsea Doerhoff, Derek Stafford, Summer Stafford, Shea Stafford, and Nixon Lin Stafford; one great-grandchild on the way; adopted granddaughter, Holly Hagedorn; and numerous cousins and members of his extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lenward "Buddy" Stafford; sister, Linda "Kay" Robinett; and nephew, Kevin Robinett.
A Celebration of Life beginning with military honors will be held Monday, November 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Red Rock Acres, LLC (1742 State Rd OO, Holts Summit, MO 65043).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the donor's local VFW Post or local VA Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.