Nelson Stafford passed from this life on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 in Edmond, OK surrounded by family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home of Yale, OK.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at the Yale Assembly of God. Interment will follow at Lawson Cemetery.

Nelson was born on November 6, 1935 to Jess and Mae Ellen (Graham) Stafford in Yale, OK. He grew up and attended school in Yale, graduating from Yale High School in 1955. After completing his schooling, Nelson joined the United States Army and served his country proudly for 3 years before being honorably discharged. Once Nelson returned to Oklahoma, he married June Almy on March 28, 1959 in Keystone, OK. They had three loving children together: Kim, Greg, and Steve. Nelson and June lived in rural Cleveland while raising their children and then moved to Thayer, KS, when they retired and later settling in Edmond. Nelson and June enjoyed taking the family camping and on different travel adventures.

Nelson was a hard-working man and provided for his family's needs while passing along a legacy of a strong work ethic. He was an avid woodworker and baseball enthusiast. He played, watched, and coached his kid's baseball teams when they were younger. While living in Edmond, Nelson and June attended Oak Hills Church every Sunday. Nelson was a serious man while working but had an ornery and joking side around family and friends. He loved making people smile and laugh. Even through his battle with cancer Nelson kept a positive attitude and a reliance upon the Lord. Nelson's grandchildren held a special place in his heart and loved spending time with them. He spoiled, loved, and joked with his grandkids as often as he could.

Nelson was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Nelson is survived by his wife of 60 years, June Stafford of the home; three children: Kim Powers and husband, Rick of Manhatten, KS, Greg Stafford and wife, Lesa of Luther, OK, Steve Stafford and wife, Janet of Edmond, OK; four siblings: Murl Stafford and wife, Betty of Tyler, TX, Evelyn Snyder and husband, Terry of Norman, OK, Donna Mullins of Ft. Worth, TX, Janis Day and husband, Bobby of Maramec, OK, and two sister-in-laws Joyce Stafford of Hammond, LA, and Wanda Stafford of Yale, OK. Nelson is survived by 10 grandchildren and 17, great grandchildren.

Nelson is preceded in death by both parents, three siblings: Jim Stafford, Joe Stafford, and Linda Stafford; one great grandson, Joel Goetz.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.palmermarlerfh.com