Eddie Stanford, Jr

Eddie J. Stanford, Jr.

God saw you were getting tired and a cure was not found, so He put his arms around you and said; Come with me. With tearful eyes we watched you slowly fade away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart-stopped beating, your hard-working hands put to rest God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Opelousas Funeral services for Mr. Eddie Joseph Stanford, Jr., age 75, will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2008, with a Mass of Christian Burial in the St. Landry Catholic Church, followed by interment in the Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery in Opelousas. Msgr. Robert Romero will celebrate the Mass.

Mr. Stanford was a native of Church Point, and as resident of Opelousas. He passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 1:20 a.m. peacefully in his sleep at home surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy illness.

Mr. Stanford served his country as a member of the U.S. Marines for 24 years. He bravely defended his country in numerous battles and wars. He fought in the Korean War and two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded many awards and metals for his valor and bravery. He was a salesman for a time after his retirement. Mr. Stanford was a very kind man who dearly loved his family and friends. He was a very generous man with a great since of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He devoted to his wife, children, and grandson. Mr. Stanford was also a member and past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge 1048 in Opelousas for many years.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 52 years, Anna Lee Matte Stanford of Opelousas; his two sons, James Craig Stanford and wife, Melissa of Port Barre, and Michael Stanford of Lafayette; his daughter; Odette Marie Trahan of Lafayette; his grandson; Derek A. Stanford of Lafayette; his six siblings; Lee Stanford and wife Ethel of Lake Charles, Andrew Stanford of Wichita Falls, TX, Warren Stanford and wife Bessie of Opelousas, Anna Carrier of Imperial Beach, Calif., Nelma Pellerin and husband U.L. of Lake Charles, LA, and Wilda Weisse and husband Bill of St. Stevens, SC.

Proceeded in death by his parents, Eddie J. Stanford, Sr. and Odette Marie Bihm; his brother, Garland Stanford; one sister, Edna Carrier.

Pallbearers will be Mike and Craig Stanford, his grandson Derek Stanford, his brothers-in-law Eddie Matte, Jr. and George Cormier, and nephew Jerry Foret.

Visiting hours will be observed in the Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, from 5:00 p.m. until 10 p.m. On Thursday, visitation will continue from 8 a.m. until the time of services. A rosary service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday night followed by an Elks services at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. A full military service will be conducted by the Marine Corps at the graveside.

The family gives thanks to Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care for their compassion and care given to Eddie during his long illness. Also, very special thanks to Dr. Kirk Elliot for his help with their dear husband and father during the past few months.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.
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