In Memory Of
Claude Stafford
Claude Stafford
Claude E. "Doc" Stafford, 77, of Topeka passed away Saturday, March 12 at a local hospital.
He was born July 10, 1927 in Topeka, the son of William Edward and Elsie Stafford.
He attended Topeka High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps where in his first year he flew 129 combat missions over Europe. He then re-enlisted and was assigned to the 3 D Combat Fighter Wing based at Andrews Field in Washington D.C. where he flew for President Truman.
After his dicharge from the Army Air Corps, he was employed by Lacy Auto Supply until that business was destroyed by the 1966 tornado. He then went to work for NAPA and Southwicks Auto Supply. He was employed by City Auto Supply until his retirement in 1994.
He was instrumental in starting Yesterday's Air Force in the Topeka area, and started the Holliday Junior High School Reunion.He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the Combat Air Museum. He helped start the Quarter Midget Association of Topeka and was a member of the Arab Shrine, Scottish Rite Bodies, the Order of the Eastern Star, Golden Rule Lodge # 90, the Topeka Region of the Antique Auto Club of America, and was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Warbirds of America and the American Motorcycle Association. He was a licensed pilot who flew almost every propeller driven aircraft available and also was involved in flying for air shows.
He married Harriett A. Miller on October 18, 1947 in Rossville, KS. She survives.
Other survivors include a daughter, Vicki S. Stafford-Looka and her husband Lorin of Topeka; one son, Terry L. Stafford and his wife Sheryl of Tecumseh, 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Mr. Stafford will lie in state after 1:00 pm, Tuesday, March 15 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 6-8:00 pm that evening. A funeral service will be held at 9:00 am Wednesday, March 16 at the funeral home with burial to follow in Penwell-Gabel's Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Arab Temple, 1305 S. Kansas Ave.Topeka, KS 66612
He was born July 10, 1927 in Topeka, the son of William Edward and Elsie Stafford.
He attended Topeka High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps where in his first year he flew 129 combat missions over Europe. He then re-enlisted and was assigned to the 3 D Combat Fighter Wing based at Andrews Field in Washington D.C. where he flew for President Truman.
After his dicharge from the Army Air Corps, he was employed by Lacy Auto Supply until that business was destroyed by the 1966 tornado. He then went to work for NAPA and Southwicks Auto Supply. He was employed by City Auto Supply until his retirement in 1994.
He was instrumental in starting Yesterday's Air Force in the Topeka area, and started the Holliday Junior High School Reunion.He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the Combat Air Museum. He helped start the Quarter Midget Association of Topeka and was a member of the Arab Shrine, Scottish Rite Bodies, the Order of the Eastern Star, Golden Rule Lodge # 90, the Topeka Region of the Antique Auto Club of America, and was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Warbirds of America and the American Motorcycle Association. He was a licensed pilot who flew almost every propeller driven aircraft available and also was involved in flying for air shows.
He married Harriett A. Miller on October 18, 1947 in Rossville, KS. She survives.
Other survivors include a daughter, Vicki S. Stafford-Looka and her husband Lorin of Topeka; one son, Terry L. Stafford and his wife Sheryl of Tecumseh, 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Mr. Stafford will lie in state after 1:00 pm, Tuesday, March 15 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 6-8:00 pm that evening. A funeral service will be held at 9:00 am Wednesday, March 16 at the funeral home with burial to follow in Penwell-Gabel's Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Arab Temple, 1305 S. Kansas Ave.Topeka, KS 66612
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Claude Stafford, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Starts at 8:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Service
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Starts at 9:00 am (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
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