Obituary of Billy Joe Stafford

Billy J. Stafford Newton Funeral services for Billy will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2009 at the Pence~Reese Funeral Home in Newton, who have been entrusted with the arrangements. A visitation with the family will be held from 11 a.m. Thursday until service time, at the funeral home. In LIEU of flowers: Memorials in Billy's name are being designated, to the American Cancer Society. Burial will be in the Palo Alto Cemetery, rural Newton. Billy Joe Stafford, 77, the son of William Everett and Florence (Chrity) Stafford, was born July 12, 1932 in Elkhead, Missouri. He was a graduate of the Ava, Missouri High School, Class of 1950. Billy served his country during the Korean Conflict, with the US Army. On December 26, 1961, Billy was united in marriage with Betty Ann Henning in Newton, Iowa. He was employed by the Local Carpenters Union, retiring on Aug. 1, 1994 as a carpenter. He devoted his life to his family and friends. He enjoyed his grandchildren, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Green Bay Packer fan. Billy died on Monday evening, September 21, 2009 at his home in Newton. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Michael Charles Stafford on May 25, 2004; brothers: Marvin and Sammy and a sister Rosa. Those left to honor Billy's memory include his wife Betty Ann of Newton; his grandchildren: Cory Stafford, Nick Stafford, Melissa Jones, Angela Stafford, Beth Stafford, Kayla Stafford, six great-grandchildren; brothers: LeRoy Stafford of Yale, Iowa and Gary Stafford of Branson, Missouri; a sister-in-law Cathy Stafford of Humphrey, Missouri; many nieces and nephews; and his many friends. Calling hours will be Thursday from Visitation with the family will be 11am - 1 pm at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home, 310 N. 2nd Ave. E., Newton, IA. The funeral will be Thursday at 1:00 at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home, 310 N. 2nd Ave. E., Newton with Rev. Merle Smith, Chaplain officiating. Burial will be in Palo Alto Cemetery, Newton on Thursday at 2:00 pm.