Kenneth Wayne Stafford passed away on Wednesday, February 27, 2008, after a sudden illness. Ken, a resident of Reedly, CA was born in Hollister, CA. on March 9, 1947. As a youngster he played Little League Baseball. At nine years old, he payed well enough to make the Little League Majors. Playing third base and pitching for the Braves, he made the all star team. He also played in Hollister’s Babe Ruth League where he was also named to the all star team.
During his high school years, he played basketball. In his junior and senior years, he was a starter on the Baler Varsity team. In his senior year, he was named to the Mission Trails All Star Leage Team and was voted Most Valuable Player by his team mates.
Ken graduated from San Benito High School in 1965. After High School, he was active in City Leage Sports and played on two Championship basketball teams. Ken was a self described sports nut and could talk football, baseball and basketball with the best of them. He was also an avid reader… if it was in print, he would read it.
In 1966, Ken married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Deanna Stevens. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, Kenny was hired by Sheriff John Lucchetti as a reserve Deputy with the San Benito County Sherriff’s Office in the early 1970’s among other duties; he was assigned to work patrol with then Sgt. Louie Falconi. After moving to Reedly, CA. and beginning work for the Reedly Ploice Department in the late ’70s, Ken managed the City’s training program for canines and handlers. In 1982 thorugh 1984, Ken volunteered for and was instrumental in helping his brother train the San Benito County Sherriff;’s Office canine handlers. Ken certified the first canine team, Bumper and his handler Richard Boomer, to work the street.
During the 1980’s, Ken became the Chief of Police for the City of Kerman and later became its City Manager. For the past fourteen years, Ken has worked for the County of Fresno District Attorney’s Office as its Senior Investigator.
Ken was preceded in death by his father, Frank Lee Stafford and step-father Leroy Aby. He is survived by his wife, Deanna; his children, Kimberly, Aaron and Mark; grandchildren, Cheyenne, Michael and Jarron; mother, Arlene Aby; siblings. Dennis Stafford, Gary Aby and Janell Stafford.
Ken was a good father, son, brother, friend and neighbor and truly an all around good guy. He will be remembered for his integrity, strong work ethic, sense of humor and as a source of strength and inspiration to others,
A memorial service was held at the Reedly Veterans’ Armory on Monday, March 3rd with over 200 friends and neighbors in attendance, Graveside services are pending. Internment will be at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.
The family has asked that remembrances may be made to Norseman School, DHH Program in care of Canaine Carins Funeral Home; 940 F Street, Reedly, CA (559) 638-2233.
