Larry Wendell Stafford

Larry Wendell Stafford, 78, of Norman, OK passed away October 13th, 2025. Larry is now with his savior Jesus Christ and wife Judy Stafford of 41 years after living bravely with Alzheimer’s disease for six years. Visitation will be 4:00pm-6:00pm Monday, October 20th at Tribute Memorial Care, 4300 W Indian Hills Rd Norman, OK 73072. The Funeral Mass will be at 9:30am on Tuesday, October 21st at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 3939 W Tecumseh Rd. Norman, OK 73072 with Father Timothy Fuller officiating. A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm Friday, October 24th at Oakwood Cemetery, 2124 S 5th St. Waco, TX 76706.

Larry was born in Mexia, TX on September 30th, 1947 to Wendell and Margie Stafford. One of his favorite past times with his family was attending Friday night football games. He attended Robinson High School and played center on the football team. Claudia, his little sister, loved watching her big brother lead the Robinson Rockets to many victories. Larry graduated from Robinson High School in 1966 and continued his education at Baylor University where he met his beautiful and caring wife, Judy. Judy thought he was handsome and resembled a young Elvis Presley. Larry graduated from Baylor University in 1971 with a Bachelor’s in Physical Education and a teaching degree in English. He and Judy were married that same year. They then moved to Houston, TX to work in public school education while continuing their own education.

In Houston, Larry attended Sam Houston State University and graduated in 1981. Not long after graduating from Sam Houston State University, Larry and his family moved back to the Waco area and lived in Lorena, Texas. Larry worked in the public schools in special education, coaching, and administration for 41 years. His favorite part of his career was when he was the principal of a special education school that met not only the academic needs of special education children but also their physical and emotional needs. He was beloved by his students and was a positive role model for many children that otherwise did not have one. After 41 years, he retired to take care of his beloved wife, Judy, in the last months of her life. He remained devoted to her after her passing in 2012 and wore his wedding ring the rest of his life.

Larry was a devoted father to his two children, Jeff and Melanie. He enjoyed taking the family to South Padre Island in the summer for beach and deep-sea fishing trips. As Melanie grew into an adult, they enjoyed talking and laughing over a beer at their favorite pub, Dancing Bear Pub in Waco. Jeff and Larry enjoyed many fishing trips together on the Texas coast and the Colorado River. He also enjoyed refinishing antique furniture with his dad. Wherever Larry went he made friends and always had a compassionate heart for those not accepted well in society whether it be special needs children or the poor.

Larry was a devoted grandfather to his four grandchildren. When his two oldest grandchildren, Charlie and Chandler were young, they loved to go “sploring” with Granny and Grandaddy on their two acres of land in the country in Lorena. When his third grandchild, William, was born Larry left his home of 69 years to move to Savannah, Georgia with William and his daughter and son-in-law. He read and played daily with William and had him over to his place often for Grandada play time. During this time, he worked part time for Chic Fil A overseeing the special needs employees. William demanded to go see Grandada at Chic Fil A at least once a week. When his fourth grandchild Hannah was born, he moved once again to Norman, OK to be close to Hannah, William, his daughter, and son-in-law. Larry did not hesitate to dress up in princess jewelry and wear pink sunglasses with Hannah. Even in the last year of his life in memory care Hannah and Grandada had their weekly Friday Chic Fil A lunches.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Wendell Stafford, and mother, Marie Stafford, as well as his wife of 41 years, Judy.

Larry is survived by his son, Jeff Stafford and wife, Kelli, of College Station, TX; his daughter Melanie Garcia and husband Jason of Norman, OK; four grandchildren, Charlie and Chandler Stafford of College Station, TX; William and Hannah Garcia of Norman, OK; and his sister Claudia Lynn of Hewitt, TX.

Pallbearers for the funeral mass will be Jeff Stafford, Charlie Stafford, Jason Garcia, William Garcia, Allen Patterson, Jeff Artho, Steve Gilliam and Eric Eder. Pallbearers for the graveside service will be Jeff Stafford, Charlie Stafford, Jason Garcia, William Garcia, Bill Smith, Jason Buckner, Jeremy Buckner, Jimmy Mullens and Ronnie Maddux.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Memory Care Director and staff of Sooner Station, to Chrissy and the staff of Trinity Hospice, to the staff of Brightstar Care, to Sister Maria of the Trinity Faulkner of the Gospel of Life Disciples, to our friends who helped move Larry to Sooner Station, and many others who provided medical care and compassionate support to Larry and his family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Center of Family Love in Okarche, OK or to the Gospel of Life disciples in Moore, OK. The Center of Family Love is a non-profit facility that provides lifelong care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live lives of purpose and dignity. Donate at https://centeroffamilylove.org/donate. The Gospel of Life Disciples is a non-profit group that lives out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy by providing the elderly who have no one to take care of them life-affirming care until death free of charge. Donate at https://gospel-of-life-disciples-2.snwbll.com/donate-to-gold.

“When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation and take me home. What joy shall fill my heart!” -How Great Thou Art