Ralph Fred Stafford Jr

STAFFORD, Ralph Fred Jr.
Kalamazoo Ralph passed away Thursday, July 9, 2015 at the age of 88. He was born December 30, 1926 in Kalamazoo to the late Ralph F. Sr., and Lillian Eitel Stafford. Ralph was united in marriage to Marcia Hippensteel in 1970. He served in the U.S. Navy from December of 1944 until honorably discharged in August of 1946. Among Ralph's many interests included playing cards, fishing, hunting camping and traveling with Marcia and family in their camper. Over the years they visited each of the lower 48 states. Ralph was also an avid flyer who was proud to be a licensed pilot himself. He especially enjoyed his Ultralite aircraft. Ralph retired from James River Corp. after 45 years being with them. He also enjoyed dancing and golfing. Ralph is survived by his wife, Marcia Stafford; children, Roy Harriet Stafford, Ron Elaine Stafford, Patricia Dave Tucker, Ralph D. Pam Stafford, Diane Greg Stewart, Douglas Mike McCormick and Tom Walz; 9 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; siblings, Gail Dale Parker Doster-Parker, Robert Sally Doster, Malcom Wendy Stafford and Suzanne Wood; and many nieces and nephews. Ralph is also preceded in death by siblings, Bernard Stafford, Harry Stafford, Bill Doster, Bev Doxtater and twin, Ruth Sowers. The family will greet friends on Monday, July 13, 2015 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street, where a funeral service will take place on Tuesday, July 14th, 11:00am. Interment will follow at East Cooper Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Care of SW Michigan.