Richard’s Obituary Richard Allen Stafford was born on August 30, 1947 in Elsa, Texas to James Edward Stafford Sr. & Lorraine Harpster Stafford. He died on March 5, 2019 at age of 71 years 6 months in Houston, Texas. Richard is survived by: Glenda Tullos Stafford; Brother: Jim Stafford and wife Olga; Children: Angela Lynette Horan and husband Michael; Kimberly Anne Stafford; Ronny Allen Stafford, wife Olga; Brandi Michelle McClellan and husband Derick; Richard Ryan Stafford and friend Evy; Brandon Michael Stafford; Grandchildren: Christopher, Seth, Isabella, Alejandra, Ayden, Reilly, Andrew, & Sophia and a host of family and friends.
Richard and his brother Jimmy spent summers visiting their father in McAllen, Texas where the boys attended Trinity Baptist church with their dad. Richard realized his need for Christ at the age of 15, made his profession of faith and was baptized at Trinity Baptist. One of the most important aspects in Richard’s life was his dedication and love for his country and the US Marine Corps.
Richard enlisted at the young age of 18. While in country he served as Force Recon, a “Cave Rat” crawling through caves, and as a Door Gunner with the Helicopter Medi Vac team. Stateside, he served in a variety of roles including Admin Chief and Bereavement Counselor.
He served 7 years in the Corp with multiple deployments to Vietnam. Although Vietnam is a beautiful country, the war left many scars and difficulties on those who served. This brave, young Marine, penned a poem while serving in Vietnam and sent it to his Mother.
After reading the poem, she was so proud she submitted the poem to the newspaper where it was published. I want to read it to you now so you can know a piece of the heart of Richard. To Live A War The Life of a soldier in the time of war Those sleepless nights of fear and horror The days you walked neck deep in water.
The days you walked in drizzling rain The days you walked in sunshine And was too tired to feel the pain. Although we have doubts of what we are to fight To save hardships on our family, we know this is right. The people we fight, we know not well.
We must stop Communist Aggression, for we can never fail. The war won’t end with this small feat, But we shall never retreat. The longer we fight here, the harder it gets For the dead man’s face, you can never forget.
But it is for us the living and the wish of the dead To carry out the mission, that we all so dread. The war may last for 10 years, it may last for less, But there isn’t a man among us who wouldn’t do his best. P.F.C. Richard A Stafford 1st Battalion, 5th Marines Company C in Chu Lai, Viet Nam Richard proudly flew the colors at his home and kept a new, American flag in his vehicle.
If he saw a tattered flag when driving, he would stop at the business, speak with the owner or manager and present them with the new flag. The honor of old glory was not taken lightly; and this was passed on to his children. Richard was instrumental in helping multiple young men find direction by joining the military.
Family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM, Saturday March 9, 2019 in the Chapel of Deer Park Funeral Directors. Memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday with Pastor Ernest Weedon officiating. Deer Park Funeral Directors, 336 E. San Augustine, Deer Park, Texas, 77536.
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