Robert Luther Stafford

Robert Luther Stafford, 89, of Meadville, died Sunday, June 17, 2001 at Wesbury United Methodist Community following a period of declining health.

He was born in Meadville, October 9, 1911 a son of Charles and Carrie Ella Schneider Stafford.  He married Mary Stainbrook and subsequently married Alyce Brown November 30, 1957 and she preceded him in death December 1988.

He was a much decorated US Army veteran of combat in both World War II and the Korean War retiring as a Captain after 24 years of active military service.  He was awarded the Bronze Star for outstanding combat performance in the Korean War and received the Purple Heart for his wounds in France during World War II.  Other decorations include combat infantryman's badge with star, European theater of operations ribbon with combat battle stars for Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe and the Rhineland campaigns, and the Korean service ribbons with three battle stars.

After retiring from the Army he lived in Orlando, FL from 1968 to 1983 working for Pinkerton Security Services.

He was a member of Harm Jan Huidekooper VFW Post 2006 and Charles N. Stafford American Legion Post 111.  This American Legion Post is named in his brother's honor who was killed in action during World War I.

Survivors, include a daughter, Jean Flickinger of Meadville; a son, Robert Charles Stafford of Central Coast, Australia; a stepson, Wayne Hoffman (Harriette) of Meadville; nine grandchildren, four step-grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, Arthur and Myron and four sisters, Bertha, Katherine, Gertrude and Esther.

Services were held at Waid Funeral Home.

Interment was in Greendale Cemetery.