Lindon "Dale" Stafford, 78 of Trout Creek, passed away Sunday morning, October 1, 2006 at home after a long illness. .

Lindon was born in Bainbridge, on August 20, 1928 the son of the late Lindon A. and Edna Martin Stafford. He married the former Helen Griffin on November 14, 1952 in Afton. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during WW-II. Lindon worked as a foreman on many construction projects through out New York, and Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Laborer's Union # 7 for 39 years. He was a past member of the Trout Creek Fire Dept and the Guntown American Legion Post # 1554. He served as Commander for 7 years. Lindon attended the Trout Creek Community Church along side of his wife, Helen. Lindon was a gifted carpenter and built many homes in the area. He also restored an old barn and converted it into a home. He got many compliments on his work. Lindon also loved to hunt with his sons, grand sons, and friends. Lindon was a loving husband, a "great" father, grandfather, and friend.

Lindon is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Helen, 2 sons, Michael (Pat), and Jerry Stafford of Trout Creek; 1 daughter, Sharon Smith of Walton, 10 grand children, Amy, Brad, Kristie, Chad, Angela, and Jeremy Stafford, Corey Vitek, Kelly, Sarah, and Carl Smith; 7 great grand children, Nathan, Christian, Chelsee, Caleb, Holden, Austin, and Hadassah; 5 brothers, Glenn Stafford, Otego, Don Stafford, Florida, Jim Stafford, Utica; Bill, Afton; 1 sister, Doris Clark, Harpursville, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by 4 brothers, Frank, Richard, Robert, and Frederick, and 1 sister, Shirley Inman.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at the Clark, Winter & Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton from 12 noon to 1 PM where services will be held at 1 PM with the Rev. David Gatje, officiating.

Memorial contributions in Lindon's memory may be made to the Trout Creek Community Church, 8558 County Rt 27, Trout Creek, NY 13847 or the Trout Creek Fire Dept. Ladies Auxillary, PO Box 56, Trout Creek, NY.