Thomas Elwood Stafford

Thomas Elwood Stafford, age, 72 of Albia, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2017, surrounded by his family at his home in Albia under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice. He was born on October 29, 1944, to John Elwood and Irene (DeLong) Stafford in Brompton, Iowa. He graduated from Albia High School with the class of 1963 and later received his 2 year A.A. Degree from Centerville Community College. Tom served his country in the United States Army. On March 25, 1967 Tom married Julie Kness at the Methodist Church in Albia. They shared 50 years of marriage and were blessed with three children; Jill, John and Josh. Tom worked as a licensed plumber for Hiland Plumbing in Des Moines for 10 years before taking a job as a facility and maintenance supervisor at the Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He retired from the hospital in 2004. Tom was a member of the American Legion Howard Cessna Post 136 in Albia. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing and helping others with home improvement projects. His real joy in life was spending time with his friends and family. Tom is survived by his wife, Julie Stafford of Albia; his children, John (Rebecca) Stafford of Osseo, WI., Josh Stafford of Fort Walton Beach, FL., and Jill (Rob) Onnen of Grundy Center, IA; five grandchildren, Brooke Almond, Jocilyn Onnen, Kayla Stafford, Trent Trubshaw, and Dane Stafford. Tom is also survived by a brother, Jeff (Jean) Stafford of Shreveport, LA; two sisters, Rosalie Hughes of Knoxville, IA, and Karen Carter of Windsor Heights, IA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, J. Elwood and Irene; a brother, Philip Stafford; a sister in infancy, Priscilla Ann Stafford; a brother-in-law Jerry Archibald and a mother-in-law, Phyllis Kness. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, September 24, 2017, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Pastor Richard Grimes officiating with military rites provided by the American Legion of Albia, Melrose and Lovilia. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday, September 24, 2017, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Tom’s family present to greet family and friends. An open memorial has been established in Tom’s name to be determined at a later date.

Thomas Elwood Stafford

October 29, 1944 - September 20, 2017