Robert Neal Stafford

Robert “Bob” Neal Stafford, 85, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Bob was born on December 4, 1936, in Fidelity, Missouri, to George Riley Stafford Jr. and Hattie “Narramore” Stafford. Bob was a longtime resident of Jasper County and was employed as the dispatcher for Carthage Water and Electric for over 27 years and retired in 1996. He served in the United States Air Force for over nine years and in June of 1964 he was given the title of Staff Sargeant. He was a brother of Carthage Masonic Lodge #197 AF and AM, he belonged to the Valley of Joplin Scottish Rights, the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque of Springfield, the Carthage Train Crew, and a lifetime member of the Carthage VFW Post #2590. Bob was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” Bradshaw on September 11, 1965, at the Scotland Church in Scotland, Missouri; she survives. Bob is also survived by four sons, Tony Stafford of Joplin, Bobby Joe Stafford of Joplin, Jon Scott Stafford of Oklahoma, and Robert Stafford Jr. of Oklahoma; his daughter Tina Stafford and fiancée Mike Deivernois; two brothers, Larry Stafford of North Kansas City, and Loren Stafford (Barbara) of Webb City; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a special niece, Beth Ann Stafford. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Terry Anne Stafford; one granddaughter Denise Burrus; two brothers, George “Bill” Stafford, and John Stafford; and one sister Joyce Wood. The family of Bob Stafford would like to extend a special thank you to Integrity Hospice for the care and comfort provided during this time. A graveside service will be held for Bob at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the Fullerton Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri. There will be a visitation along with Masonic Rites beginning at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. Burial will follow the graveside services at Fullerton Cemetery. Condolences can be posted online at www.ulmerfh.com. In lieu of flowers the family would like contributions to be made to the Masonic Lodge #197 Carthage, or Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque local transportation fund of Springfield. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.

Robert Neal Stafford

December 4, 1936 - September 18, 2022