Donald L. Stanford, the son of Commanche Brown and Lula Mae (Simms) Stanford, was born September 27, 1918 in Mena, Arkansas. Don attended school in Mena. On May 20, 1943 Don enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country in the South Pacific.

On July 23, 1952, Don was united in marriage to Dorothy Tuggle and they became the parents on 14 children, Benny, Bob, Bill, Blake, Carma, Peggy, Larry, Jerry, Marsha, Terry, Gary, Krista, Donald, Jr. and Eddie Joe. Don was employed by the Kansas City, Missouri School District as a custodian and later managed the heating and cooling systems. Don was also a carpenter and built homes and crafted beautiful woodwork. He also raised German Shepherd dogs for the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

Don was a member of the Local 2000 Teachers Union and the Nazarene Church both of Kansas City. Don passed away Saturday, September 15, 2012, at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Rock Port, at the age of 93.

Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sons, Benny, Bob and Gary Stanford, and three brothers and four sisters. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, Rock Port; children, Bill and Blake Stanford, Carma Eagans, Peggy Eagans, Larry and Jerry Stanford, Marsha Eagans, Terry Stanford, Krista Louderback, Donald Stanford, Jr. and Eddie Joe Stanford; 35 grandchildren, two of which he raised, Kevin and Bobby Joe Stanford; 44 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews .

Funeral Service:
10:00 am, Monday, September 17, 2012 at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.
Interment: Home Cemetery, Tarkio, Missouri
The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 6:00 pm, Sunday, at Minter Funeral Chapel.
Memorials: Donald Stanford Memorial Fund.
Online obituaries and condolences at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.
Services: Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.