SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — George Stafford, 97, of Scottsdale, Ariz., and formerly of Huron, passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2020.
George requested no funeral. His ashes will be interred at a later date.
George was born July 8, 1923, in Huron, to Clara (Bakken) and George Stafford.
He started his military career in the South Dakota National Guard at 16 years old. He went on to serve in the Korean War, WW II and Vietnam retiring as a Major from the Army. He received numerous military medals the latest being the Peace Medal from South Korea. In 1964 he and his wife, Pat Campbell Stafford, moved back to Huron. He sold real estate for the Montgomery Agency, was active in service groups: Kiwanis, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Elks and American Legion. He especially enjoyed hunting pheasants every year in South Dakota with his friends.
In 1968 George and Pat moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. After enjoying several businesses ventures he volunteered for 25 years with the Scottsdale Police.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat Campbell Stafford and a brother, Ray Stafford.
He is survived by his daughter, Gloria Stafford, Fort Worth, Texas, two grandchildren, Carina Menaker (James) Fairbanks, Alaska and Matthew Lopez (Jennifer) Houston, Texas and five great grandchildren: Diego, Essie, Lucy Menaker, Sammy and Tommy Lopez, nieces Joan Stafford (Curt) Nettinga, Huron and Nancy Stafford (Miguel) Penaranda, Sioux Falls along with many other nieces and nephews.
The family suggests donations to a charity in his name.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
