Francis "Gene" Eugene Stafford

April 5, 1947 - September 6, 2019

U.S. Army Veteran Francis "Gene" Eugene Stafford was born April 5, 1947 in Marion, Ohio to Sylvester Roswell and Nancy Irene (Noggle) Stafford and passed away September 6, 2019 at his home in Salem, Missouri at the age of seventy-two years. Gene grew up in Caledonia, Ohio and graduated from River Valley High School with the Class of 1964. He faithfully and honorably served in the United States Army for fifteen years. During his working years, Gene worked in the maintenance department at Doe Run. Gene was a hard-working man who enjoyed carpentry work and didn't mind helping others. He loved spending his time outdoors fishing, hunting, boating, gardening or enjoying a motorcycle ride. When he wasn't working or spending time outside, he loved visiting with his family. Gene was proud of his children and treasured the time spent with his grandchildren. Preceding him in death, were his parents: Sylvester and Nancy Stafford and four siblings. Gene is survived by his two sons: Dustin Stafford and wife Nicole of Salem, MO and Clarence Artrip of Salem, MO; two daughters: Carmen McKee of Salem, MO and Renea Stafford of Columbus, OH; ex-wifes: Marie Stafford of Columbus, OH and Ella Artrip of Salem, MO; four grandchildren: Natasha Stafford, Dusty Stafford, Emmitt Stafford, Randy Stafford, Harley Artrip and Correr Artrip; one step-grandchild: Anthony Justice; three siblings; several extended family members and friends. Gene was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Memorial Service with Military Honors for U.S. Army Veteran Francis "Gene" Eugene Stafford was held Monday, September 9, 2019 at the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Mike Bell officiating. Song selections played were "I'll Leave This World Loving You", "Go Rest High On That Mountain", "Daddy's Hands", "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Ol' Days)", "Fast", and "Lead Me Home". All arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.