DUNKIRK – Donald E. Stafford, Sr., age 70, rural Dunkirk, died Friday morning at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital following an illness.  Born in Hartford City on Sept. 1, 1942, he was the son of John H. & Madeline D. (Seidner) Stafford.  He graduated from Hartford City High School in 1961 and worked for 42 years at Warner Gear before retiring in 2003.  Don attended Dunkirk Calvary United Methodist Church and was a member of Halfway Lodge No. 298, F. & A.M., Redkey, Scottish Rite Valley of Fort Wayne, Dunkirk Lions Club, and Dunkirk Elks Lodge 1776.  The past few years he mentored at Westlawn Elementary School with Kids Hope; he was an inspiration to many children there.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Rebecca Stafford, and their son: Don Stafford, Jr. (wife: Elizabeth), Pennville; his mother-in-law: Laura Ramsey, Dunkirk; 2 grandchildren: Catherine & Brandon Stafford, Pennville; also, several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister: Patricia Shelton, and a daughter: Darla J. Stafford who died in 2006.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Monday Sept. 2, 2013, at Meacham Funeral Service, Albany, with burial following at Black Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the funeral home; Masonic rites will be provided by members of Halfway Lodge beginning at 5 p.m.

Memorials may be sent to the Pennville Vol. Fire Department.

---