Obituary of Merrill E. Stafford

Merrill E. Stafford, age 80, of Tioga, PA, died Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at the Green Home, Wellsboro, PA. He was born May 10, 1935 in Little Marsh, PA, a son of Warren and Mary (Howland) Stafford. He celebrated 38 years of marriage to Konny (Wilbur) Stafford on June 30th. Merrill was a retired crane operator for Corning Glass after 43 years of employment. He was a member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Tioga, PA; a member of the Mountain Laurel and the Penn-York Camper's Clubs, also enjoyed puttering and tinkering. Merrill was a U.S. Army veteran. Merrill is survived by his wife, Konny; two sons and a daughter-in-law, John Stafford of Loris, SC, Thomas (Stacey) Stafford of Tioga, PA; two daughters, Veronica Goddard of Fort Mill, SC, Melissa Stafford of Wiggins, MS; two step-daughters and sons-in-law, Valerie (Chris) Stickler of Tioga, PA; a, Krista (Brett) Mayes of Liberty Hill, TX; 13 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; three sisters, Cora Riegle and Ethel Baker of Addison, NY, Betty Gleason of Middlebury Center, PA; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Warren, Jr. and Charles; three sisters, Laura Shockney, Iva Main and Barb Mader. Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, August 29, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. at Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA. Funeral services will follow at the funeral chapel at 4:00 P.M. with Pastor Debbie Button officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, P O Box 122, Tioga, PA 16946. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com