Clyde E. Stafford Sr.

Clyde E. Stafford, Sr. Clyde E. Stafford, Sr. was born in a small town in Louisiana called Denham Springs near Baton Rouge. Clyde was a man who loved the simple things of life; no fancy frills for him. As he always said, "He was from the country; let's keep it that way." He enjoyed the days of Cub Scouting, and eventually was a Scoutmaster for many years in Troop 600 in Parkland. He also was a member of the Henry A. Greene Lodge #250 in Lakewood, WA for 44 years. He served as Worshipful Master of the lodge on more than one occasion. He spent many years in the Job's Daughters as Associate Guardian, as well as being a member of the Order of Eastern Star #198. He was a life member of the Scottish Rite. He was also a member of the Lakewood Elks Lodge for many years. Clyde is survived by his wife June of Tacoma, two brothers, Allen (Dorothy) and Roy (Louise), of Denham Springs, LA, his son, C. Edward Stafford, Jr. (Janice), and his daughter Julia Egersdorf (Steve) of Haleyville, AL. He is also survived by his grandsons Erik Smith (Nichole), Devon Stafford of Lacey, and a granddaughter, Karisa, of Alabama. He loved children, and had two great-grandchildren, Cameron Lawson, and Emma Kaye Smith. His extended family includes Scott Leifester (Melodie), Chris Leifester (Gina), and grandchildren Nicholas, Andrea, Matthew Leifester, and Donovan Buhain and Alexis (Lexi) Leifester. He also had many young baseball players who called him "Grandpa" and Clyde drove them all over the state and to Oregon to participate in games and tournaments. Those young men will be the casket bearers and it is now their turn to carry their Grandpa home. Clyde had served in the United States Army for 21 years and was a veteran of the Korean War. Upon his retirement he began work for the Boeing Company and retired in 1997 after 23 years. He served his country with pride, and he served his employer, the Boeing Company, with pride and loyalty. Clyde was a loving and giving man, and there wasn't anyone he would turn away if they were hungry and needed his help. He always loved to camp outside during the early years as well as enjoying the travel trailer. In later years, he enjoyed the comforts of the motor home lifestyle with his wife June, and enjoyed the company of some dear friends, his "camping buddies." He loved visiting the national parks and he enjoyed meeting new people and hearing their stories. Clyde's last trip with June was her retirement trip in September of this year, and when he got so ill with pneumonia and other complications in New Mexico, he didn't want to give up. He wanted to come home. The last few days of his life he was never alone, as his family lived at Franciscan Hospice House with him. It was a special time for us to reminisce with stories about him and remember the many "one-liners" he was famous for during his lifetime. He will be missed by his loving family and many dear friends, neighbors, his brothers and sisters in the Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star. Clyde, you were a special man and your family and extended family loved you most dearly. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Hospice Programs.