August 18 1943 July 29 2020
Gary Lloyd Stafford, age 76, of Albia, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. Gary was born on August 18, 1943, to Lloyd and Florence (Fisher) Stafford at their home in Blakesburg, IA. He grew up and attended school in Albia. Following high school, Gary served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam era. He was united in marriage to Vivian Leggett-Dye on August 19, 1978, in Las Vegas. Gary worked on the dock in California before becoming an over the road truck driver for Briggs Transportation for many years. Gary then went to work for Barr-Nunn Transportation where he was employed for 17 years retiring in 2008. Gary was a member of the Howard Cessna Post #136 in Albia and was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan. He was very adventurous and in his younger years enjoyed motocross, scuba diving, and countless sky dives. He enjoyed being outdoors, going on hunting trips and annual deer hunts with his family. He loved going to different auctions and flea markets where he often camped. Gary enjoyed reading, bowling, playing snooker, and dancing. He loved to visit with others and never knew a stranger. Gary cherished spending time with his family and friends, with the annual hog roast over Labor Day weekend being one of his favorite activities. Gary is survived by his wife of 41 years, Vivian Stafford; 2 sons, Mark (Tami) Stafford and Paul (Susie) Stafford; 8 grandchildren, Jesse, Ella, Evelyn, Jacob, Judge, Daniel, Tyler, and Shelby; 4 great grandsons, Ethan, Nathan, Drex and Kayden; 2 brothers, James “Bud” (Kitty) Stafford and Bob (Dianna) Stafford; 3 sisters, Eileen (Elmer) Davis, Donna Dinneen, and Pauline (Pat) Hendron. Gary is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Florence; a son, Bryan Dye; and 2 brothers, Richard and Earl Stafford. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2020, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Gary’s family present to greet family and friends. Per Gary’s wishes, his body will be cremated following visitation and a private family burial will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established to the Welcome Home Soldier Monument in Albia. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gary Lloyd Stafford please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gary Lloyd Stafford August 18 1943 July 29 2020.
Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory
Death notice for the town of: Albia, state: Iowa