John Ferrell Stafford




John Ferrell Stafford, Jr., 68 years of age, and a resident of Amherst, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at his home following a sudden illness.

John was born July 3, 1949, in Huntington, WV, and came to Lorain as a young boy.

He was a member of the class of 1967 at Admiral King High School before moving to Amherst where he made his home.

John proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force, and was a lifetime member of the Amherst Veterans of Foreign War Post 1662.

He worked as a union official for the Ford Motor Co. in Avon and retired in 2008 after 35 years.

As a member of the he served as a counselor in the high priest quorum and also served as a former bishop.

He was a member of the OHAA and traveled around the county umpiring baseball and softball games for area schools as well as many charitable events, tournament games, and even Cedar Point hosted athletic events.

Upon retirement, he stayed active, being self-employed, mowing lawns for his company, Big John's Mowing Service.

In his spare time, he enjoyed cheering on the Cleveland Indians, bowling at Rebman's in Lorain, and spending time with his family.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of forty-nine years, Linda Ann Stafford (nee: Henry); his children:

John Ferrell (Alice) Stafford III of Louisville, KY
Matthew Earnest (Lesa) Stafford of Elyria
Maureen Lynn (Brad) Crawford of Henrietta Twp.
Kenneth Sean (Karrie) Stafford of Avon

His mother, Betty Ann Stafford (nee: Metheny) of Lorain

His grandchildren:

Tricia Lee Stafford
Amber Gwen Stafford
Alexander Steven Crawford
Tyler Dillon Crawford
Brent Xavier Crawford
Nicholas Sean Stafford

His sister, Sherian (John) Villers of Piqua, OH

As well as many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Ferrell Stafford, Sr., in 1994.

Friends may call Sunday, March 11, 2018, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints; 3501 Kolbe Rd., Lorain, OH 44053.

Bishop Falke will officiate.

Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Cemetery, Amherst Twp., Ohio.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Fast Offering at the church for the local needy at the above address.