Robert “Bob” Neal Stafford, 85, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Bob was born on December 4, 1936, in Fidelity, Missouri, to George Riley Stafford Jr. and Hattie “Narramore” Stafford. Bob was a longtime resident of Jasper County and was employed as the dispatch for Carthage Water and Electric for over 27 years and retired in 1996. He served in the United States Air Force for over nine years and in June of 1964 he was given the title of Staff Sargeant. He was a brother of Carthage Masonic Lodge #197 AF and AM, he belonged to the Valley of Scottish Rights in Joplin, the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque of Springfield, the Carthage Train Crew, and a lifetime member of the American Legion VFW #2590.
Robert was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” Bradshaw on September 11, 1965, at the Scotland Church in Scotland, Missouri; she survives.
Bob is also survived by four sons, Tony Stafford of Joplin, Bobby Joe Stafford of Joplin, Jon Scott Stafford of Oklahoma, and Robert Stafford Jr. of Oklahoma; her daughter Tina Stafford and fiancée Mike Deivernois; two brothers, Larry Stafford of North Kansas City, and Loren Stafford (Barbara) of Webb City; and granddaughter Denise Burrus; several nieces and nephews and a special niece, Beth Ann Stafford.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Terry Anne Stafford; two brothers, George “Bill” Stafford, and John Stafford; and one sister Joyce Wood.
The family of Bob Stafford would like to extend a special thank you to Integrity Hospice for the care and comfort provided during this tough time.
A graveside service will be held for Bob at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the Fullerton Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri. There will be a visitation held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. Burial will follow the service at Fullerton Cemetery.
Condolences can be posted online at www.ulmerfh.com.
Any contributions can be made to the Masonic Lodge #197 Carthage, or Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque of Springfield.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
