On May 18, 1940, Ethel Lee Lewis and Ophell Stafford gave birth to A.L. Stafford in Drew, Mississippi.

Transitioning from this life March 16, 2022, A. L. was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years Sylvia Lee Stafford. He is also preceded in death by his parents Ethel (Doll) and Anderson Spencer, and his youngest sister, Rosie Spencer.

A.L. lived in Kansas City all his life, moving here at the age of four. Through the union of Ethel Lee and Anderson Spencer, he has six siblings, James (Jackie), Allen, Linda, Christine, Rosie, and Sylvester. He attended Attucks Elementary School, R.T Coles Jr. High and Vocational Trade School, and Lincoln High School. He and Sylvia were both members of the St. Stephen's Church Drum and Bugle Corps, pastored by the late Rev. John W. Williams who joined them in marriage.

A L was a consistent and awesome provider. He was Blue Print Manager of the Print Department at Butler Manufacturing, employed there for 39 years. He received a reward for being in perfect attendance, 15 consecutive years. He also worked part time at Menorah Hospital for over 35 years, retiring at the age of 78.

He and his wife raised their family at the Linwood Blvd SDA Temple in Kansas City MO where he served as a deacon and Sabbath School teacher. An advocate for physical health and well being, he offered personal training services through the Raytown YMCA for 20 years. Known for his good nature and laugh, A L was well dressed, calm, cool and collected. Throughout his life he touched an immeasurable number of people and was a mentor to many.

He leaves to cherish his legacy; a son, Erik (Carla); daughters, Karolann (Zachary) and Jamie (Tracy); grandchildren, Tyrell, Cedric, Kayla (Will), Karrington, Angel, Destiny and Darrien; great grandchildren, Cairo and Nala; one sister, Annie Mae Windrow; one brother, Anderson (Buster) Spencer. He will also be missed by a host of nieces and nephews who affectionately called him Uncle A. L.

Memorial Services for Mr. Stafford will be held at 2:00PM on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at Linwood Boulevard Seventh Day Adventist Temple, 4300 E. Linwood Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64128.  Private disposition.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.