Jeffrey Eugene Stafford was born to Jim and Kathy Stafford on December 3rd, 1974 in Enid, OK. Jeffrey passed away on January 21, 2024. Jeff and his family moved to Beaver, OK in 1980. He attended Beaver schools his entire life, graduating with the Beaver High School Class of 1993. After high school, Jeff attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University to play football for two years.
After college, Jeff returned to Beaver and worked several jobs. In 1998, he began working at Sherwin Williams, in Liberal, KS. This opportunity eventually lead him to be Assistant Manager until he took a promotion at a Sherwin Williams in Arkansas around 2000. He returned to Oklahoma in approximately 2002 and worked for Burleson Pump for several years. He then moved to Liberal, KS where he was employed at Stanion Wholesale Electric Co. until 2017.
Jeff had several hobbies and interests. One of those most special to him was the game of football. He proudly wore the #74 for the Beaver Dusters and was chosen to represent Beaver High School in the K-101 Classic Bowl his senior year. In addition, Beaver High School awards an athlete the Stafford Brothers Weightlifting Award. This award is bestowed upon a male and female athlete who has showed unwavering dedication and leadership in the weight room. This love for the game was also demonstrated in the pride he took in his nephew Kobe’s sports career, who is currently a Beaver Duster. Jeff was always interested in how he had performed and was quick to brag about all his accomplishments. And of course, anyone who knew Jeff knew of his lifelong passion for everything wrestling. He could tell you who wrestled who, what day, who won and of course who his favorites were. His extensive knowledge of all things wrestling was impressive to say the least. His collection of wrestling memorabilia was quite extraordinary. He would be the first to advise that they were “action figures” NOT dolls.
Jeff loved being the center of attention and entertaining people. He loved to talk and tell stories to those who would listen. He had a presence about him and an infectious laugh that many will remember for years to come. He certainly made an impression on every single person he met. As his last act on Earth, Jeff chose to be a tissue donor and his legacy will live on through tissue donation. In this time of sorrow, Jeff will have blessed many lives with this decision.
Jeff passed from this life on Sunday, January 21st, 2024, in Liberal, KS. Jeff is survived by his father, Jim Stafford, brother Kerry Stafford and wife Jennifer, and nephew Kobe Stafford. Aunt Marjory Norris and husband Terry, Uncle Andy Bridwell and wife Terena, cousins Shane Norris and wife Lisa, Dustin Norris and wife Amy, Erin Jacobs and husband Matt, Ellie Pryor and husband Adam and Jacob Bridwell and wife Anna, part time caretaker Barry Ready and a host of other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his mother Kathy Stafford, grandparents Roy and Eleanor Bridwell; Arvel and Lora Stafford and special aunt Doris Bradley.
Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 2:00pm at the Beaver First Christian Church, 517 Ave C, Beaver, OK. Interment will be in the Pioneer Cemetery. Alan Clark Funeral Services is in charge of the arrangements.
The family requests that any memorials be made to the Jim & Kathy Stafford “We Believe” Scholarship Fund in care of Beaver High School.