Keyth Bernard Stafford

Keyth Bernard Stafford, of Ozan, affectionately known as “Butch,” was born on June 12, 1969, in Eagletown, OK. He passed away on August 1, 2025, in Texarkana, Texas, at the age of 56, leaving behind a legacy defined by resilience, faith, fierce loyalty, and unconditional love.

A proud graduate of Eagletown High School, Butch was known early on for his ability to work with his hands. Whether building from scratch or fixing what others couldn’t, his unmatched creativity and determination guided him into a career in construction. He traveled across cities, building chicken houses and forging bonds with coworkers, always leaving behind not just solid structures but strong friendships.

Butch was an outdoorsman at heart. He lived for the thrill of the hunt, the calm of fishing, the freedom of boating, and the adrenaline of racing ATVs. His hobbies reflected his spirit—adventurous, bold, and full of life. He loved being around people and brought joy and laughter wherever he went.

His foundation in faith was built early as a member of St. Paul Presbyterian Church. That faith became his rock through the most difficult chapters of his life. After becoming a paraplegic, Butch far exceeded the life expectancy doctors gave him—living over two decades and enduring countless surgeries. He never accepted defeat. When told his time was short, he fought harder and inspired those around him to fight with him. His belief in God’s healing power never wavered, and his strength in suffering was nothing short of extraordinary.

Butch was raised not just by his mother but by a village of love. All his aunts and uncles served as surrogate mothers and fathers, each shaping his life with care, discipline, laughter, and wisdom. He loved each of them fiercely:

James and Christine Williamson of Foreman, AR, Clara Mae Williams of Columbus, MS, Johnnie L. Stafford of Eagletown, OK—his casino partner, Tommie Stafford and Daisy Lou Stafford of Tom, OK, Mary and the late Emmit Stafford of Eagletown, OK, Gloria Hunt, Eagletown, Ok -his comic relief, James Hickey, Dallas, TX. And Ray Dean Hunt, Idabel, OK.

Butch’s greatest pride and joy was his own family. He is survived by his loving daughter, Daneshia Cherry of Texarkana, TX; his two treasured grandchildren, Zailyn and Aaliyah Walton; his devoted mother, Dorothy Fellows, who stood by him through every storm; his father, George Nelson of Lockesburg, AR; and his sisters, Jenniver Stafford of McDonough, GA and Deidre Nelson of Lockesburg, AR. He also leaves behind countless cousins, mentors, and friends whose lives were touched by his strength and kindness. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Tommie Stafford and Rozena Warner Stafford.

In the Stafford family, bloodlines blurred with bonds of love. Butch’s first cousins were more than cousins—they were his brothers and sisters in every sense. He was deeply connected to: Barry Stafford, Lajuana Stafford, Jerry Stafford, Roshell Williamson, Tyrone Stafford, Tony and Natausha Threadgill, Mellissa Threadgill, Lamont Threadgill, Timothy Stafford, Luterina Threadgill, Lashonda Hunt, Joshua ‘JJ’ Hickey, Winnie Stafford, Quincy Hunt. And Vontray Watkins.

They were his family, his childhood, his lifelong support—and together they created a tapestry of shared memories and unwavering love.

Beyond them, Butch shared a special closeness with a host of second cousins who were like siblings to him. He carried countless memories with moments of joy, support, and laughter that stayed with him until the very end.

To his family in Lincoln, thank you for embracing him as one of your own and making him feel at home when he was away. To Chris Marion—his brother not by blood but by heart—thank you for the love, sacrifices, and presence you gave him over the years. You are family in every way that mattered.

Visitation Friday, August 8, 2025, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Clardy Funeral Service (Idabel, Oklahoma). Funeral services Saturday, August 9, 2025, 1:00 PM at Eagletown School Gymnasium, 25 School Street, Eagletown, OK 74734, under the direction of Clardy Funeral Services.