Edward Stafford passed away December 27, 2022, at Westview Health Care Center. He was born on November 29, 1931, in Alliance Nebraska to Charles Stafford and Jennie (Groff) Stafford. He was the youngest of eight children. He grew up in Alliance, graduated from Alliance High School in 1950. In high school he learned to draw and loved drawing cartoons of friends and family and made his own greeting cards.

In 1951 he went to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad. Ed loved the Railroad and worked as a Crew Caller, Chief Clerk, Office Manager and eventually as Material Manager. He retired after 42 years.

June 20, 1955, he married Shirley Harnan. They made their home in Alliance and were parents of five children Cheryl, Jackie, Laurie, Dan and Jim. He loved woodworking and built the garage and his children’s playhouse for their family home. He was always tinkering with new wood inventions and different ergonomic lounge chairs for the backyard. Ed and Shirley divorced in 1972.

Ed was a lifelong member of the Fraternal Order of Elks. In 1968 he was appointed Exalted Ruler of The Alliance Elks Lodge No. 971 and named delegate to the National Convention which was held in New York City in July of 1969. Ed and Shirley attended this convention along with their two oldest children.

Ed’s Material Manager position took him to Kansas City, Missouri, Denver, Colorado and Grand Forks, North Dakota. He eventually relocated back to Lakewood, Colorado where he married Adeline Giese in 1976. They were avid Polka Dancers traveling all over the Country attending Polka Conventions. They also researched Family history and genealogy tracing the Stafford family back to 17th Century North Hamptonshire England.

Ed was a member of the Lakewood Elks Lodge No. 1777 where he enjoyed dancing with the love of his life Verna. Ed and Verna were a special couple and danced like “swans on a lake”. His favorite song to dance to was Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood”. His favorite football teams were the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Denver Broncos.

He is survived by his daughter Cheryl (Brent) Nelson of Sheridan, Wyoming, 14 Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, all his brothers and sisters, 4 of his children (Jackie Webster, Laurie DeBus, Dan and Jim), and one great granddaughter (Afton Roush).

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the existing Elks Club in your area. Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be held later in Alliance, Nebraska.

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Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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