Phil B Stafford

RICHMOND, Ind. – Phil B Stafford, age 86, of Richmond, Indiana, entered into eternal life on Sunday, June 25, 2017, at Reid Health. Born June 22, 1931, in Henry County, Greensboro Township, Indiana, to Lowell and Nellie Black Stafford, Phil spent his early childhood days living on the family farm near Greensboro, close to his paternal grandparents, Milton and Minnie Strattan Stafford. Later, the family moved to Richmond, where his father became a teacher and coach at Richmond High School. After graduating from Richmond High School in 1950, Phil earned a B.S. degree in language arts and theater from Earlham College in 1954. He worked at Floral Arts Florist and Elizabeth Parker’s Restaurant. Phil later received his master’s degree in education supervision and administration from Indiana University. He began his devoted and lifelong career in education at Richmond Community Schools, where he taught school and served as principal for Garrison Elementary for 35 years, retiring in 1989. In retirement, he continued to work in education, serving as a supervising teacher for Indiana University and teaching education classes at IU East and Indiana University. Phil mentored many beginning student teachers throughout the years. His professional memberships included being a member of the Indiana Association of School Principals, ISTA, Wayne County Retired Teachers Association, and Indiana Retired Teachers Association. Phil also served on the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana, representing the 2nd Congressional District. He was a lifelong, active member of the Quaker Church with membership at First Friends Meeting, where he served on various church boards and committees. Phil also belonged to many clubs and organizations, among them being the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Civic Theatre, and Indianapolis Columbia Club. He served as a docent for the Wayne County Historical Museum and Levi Coffin House in Fountain City, Indiana. Phil’s interest in the arts, not only included live theater and attending the Tony Awards, but travels to places of interest around the world and different countries, including Russia, Japan, and Egypt. His favorite destination was London, England, where he enjoyed the antiques, theatre, and people. Phil’s residence since retirement was at Friends Fellowship Community, where he enjoyed the fellowship of the many residents and caring staff members. While there, he served as chairman of the Memorial Garden Committee, planting over 1,200 bulbs one year. Phil will be missed by his family, many loyal friends, colleagues, and former students who kept in touch with him, as he fondly remembered them. Survivors include his cousin, Duane (Bev) Elliott of Knightstown, Indiana, and their children, Dwight (Lori) Elliott and family of Amboy, Indiana, and April (Todd) Fisher and family of Indianapolis, Indiana, and close and faithful friends, Jim Smith, Joe Kaiser, David Himes, and Clarice Warrick, all of Richmond and Mara (Robert) Kaiser Braunger and children of Alexandria, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents and dear friend, Margaret Anne Kaiser. The family wishes to acknowledge the loving support and care of Phil at Friends Fellowship Community. Your respectful care made his days brighter and much happier. Phil loved you. Memorial service for Phil B Stafford will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 1, 2017, at First Friends Meeting, 2010 Chester Blvd., Richmond with Pastor Derek Parker officiating. A private burial at the family plot will be in Circle Grove Cemetery, Spiceland, Indiana. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Memorial contributions may be made to: First Friends Meeting, c/o Flower Ministry, 2010 Chester Blvd., Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Phil B Stafford

June 22, 1931 - June 25, 2017