Ernest Alfred Staniford

Ernest Alfred Staniford, 93, of Collinsville, OK passed away Thursday, December 25, 2014 in Tulsa, OK. Ernest was born on April 1, 1921 in Sperry, OK to Norman and Lillie Josephine (Wrench) Staniford. Ernest grew up in Skiatook, OK and was a member of the RLDS Church in Sperry. He had a great love for his country and served in the U.S. Coast Guard, from February 25, 1943, to November 28, 1945, during WWII. One of the two ships he sailed on, the USS Cambria, traveled throughout the Pacific Islands, Hawaii, Japan, and China. Upon returning to the States, he met Betty Lorraine Couch, a native of Collinsville. They were married on May 24, 1947, and made their home in Collinsville where they raised their three children, Michael, Faith and Joy. They were married for 56 years before Betty’s death on July 10, 2003.

Ernest was an employee of the Collinsville Brickyard, and for many years was a sheet metal worker for McDonnell Douglas. He also worked as a custodian for Collinsville Public Schools until his retirement. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW. In his spare time, Ernest enjoyed gardening, reading, and listening to the radio. He will be missed by many.

Ernest is survived by his children, Michael Duaine Staniford and his wife, Katherine JoAn Kutz, and Joy Beth Humble and her husband, Bob; his siblings, Betty Allard and Willard Staniford; 3 grandchildren, Angela Daniel and her husband, Dennis, Rob Humble and his wife, Anna, and Natalie Humble; 7 great grandchildren, Dominique Miles, Tirion Daniel, Torin Daniel, Draven Munroe, Dakota Bowles, Jude Humble, and Eve Humble; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Lillie Staniford; his wife Betty Lorraine (Couch) Staniford; daughter Faith Irene Miles; sister, Leora Cohea; and brother Floyd Staniford.

Visitation for Ernest will be held Monday, December 29, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, December 30, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home.

A Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday. December 30, 2014 at the Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Joe Huey officiating. Interment will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Collinsville. Services are under the direction of Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home.