Doyle E Stafford

Doyle E. Stafford, a lifelong resident of Midvale, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning in New Dawn Health Care Center at Dover following a brief illness at the age of 87.

Born at Barnhill, March 28, 1925, he was a son of the late Robert D. and Sarah A. Postel Stafford.

Mr. Stafford entered the United States Navy in 1943. He served aboard the USS Richard Rowell in the South Pacific participating in the invasions of Leyte, Lingayen, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Discharged honorably in 1945 at the conclusion of World War II, Doyle returned to the Tuscarawas Valley, and to his wife, whom he had married just prior to leaving for the war, the former Susan Voshall. The couple went on to celebrate fifty-six years together prior to her death in July, 2000.

Doyle went to work following the war at the former Robinson Clay from 1946 to 1951, then Midvale Mine from 1951 to 1975, and ultimately retiring from Whittacher-Greer in 1985.

At home, he enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Ohio Archeological Society – Tuscarawas Chapter, and was fond of collecting arrowheads from our area.

Survivors include his daughter, Sue Allman of New Philadelphia, and a son, Doug (Brenda) Stafford of Midvale.

He’ll be sadly missed by his grandchildren; Lori (Don) Williams of Newcomerstown, Sherry Rieger and her fiance Paul Sibila of Massillon, Scott Stafford of Midvale, and Holly (Jamie) Page of New Philadelphia and 9 great-grandchildren; Kevin Rieger, Ryan Williams, Lacie Stafford, Cassidy Page, Brianna Page, Kadon Williams, Kylie Rieger, Kadee Williams, and Vanessa Sibila.

Two step-great-grandchildren, Ashley and Britini Williams, and one step great-great grandchild, Maddison Jennings, also survives.

Two sisters, Bonnie LaBelle and Betty Stafford, both of California, and two brothers, Ray E. Stafford of Ellwood City, PA, and James D. “Duffy” Stafford of Midvale, completes the family.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Stafford is preceded in death by two brothers; Robert N. and Willard A. Stafford, as well as his son-in-law; Ed Allman.

Friends are invited to call Thursday, April 19, from 4-7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Pastor Dale Ickes will lead Mr. Stafford’s funeral service Friday morning at 10 in the funeral home’s chapel.

Burial with military honors will follow, alongside his wife, in East Avenue Cemetery.

Following the committal service, a luncheon for family and friends will be served in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home.

Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website.

The Stafford family is grateful for the loving kindness shown their father in his final year as a resident of New Dawn Health Care Center. In gratitude for their exemplary care, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW New Philadelphia, OH 44663.