Rev. Donald Oliver Titus Stockford, 86, was called home December 15, just in time for the celebration of his Savior's birthday. Don was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia to Rev. Donald and Marjorie (Titus) Stockford; both deceased. His father and mother served the Christian Temple Church in Lubec, Maine, where Don spent his youth, along with his dear brother, David Noble Stockford, who survives.
Don graduated from Lynchburg College, Virginia, and went to Butler Seminary, now Brite Divinity School, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to complete his Seminary degree. While in Seminary, he served as Student Minister in a small church in Smartsburg, Indiana where he met his future wife, Mary Ellen Mathews, who survives. Don was ordained into the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in l964.
They were married in 1960, and had 2 sons; Brad Eric, who preceded Don in death, and Douglas Edwin, who survives. Also surviving are Daughter-in-law, Cheryl Asher Stockford, Grandchildren; Samantha Swigart and her husband, Cody; Brant Stockford and his girlfriend, Rebecka; Katherine Stockford, Jacob Stockford, and great grandson, Maverick Bradley Swigart; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, and a lot of wonderful friends. He enjoyed talking with friends, strangers, watching all sports, and eating -- Don never met a dessert he didn't like!
Don began his career in Religious Broadcasting in Cleveland, Ohio and won an Emmy for Religious Children's Programming. He then was called to Texas to work with the Southern Baptist Commission in Religious Programming. He later accepted the position of Senior Pastor of Central Christian Church in Ft. Worth, Texas, with the reassurance of his 2 sons, that they could handle being "preacher's sons"!
Later, with the sons grown and on their own, he and Mary Ellen moved to Monroe, Louisiana, to pastor the First Christian Church. Retirement came and they decided to move back to Texas to be near their sons and their families. He became active in several organizations and loved sports. He spent many hours on field benches watching softball, football, cheerleading, and baseball; enjoying every minute.
For several years, Grandpa and Grandma gave a donation to St. Jude's Hospital for Children in each grandchild's honor, in gratitude for their health. If someone feels the need to honor Don, please consider making a donation to St. Jude's, or your church.
Don will be cremated and there will be no formal service, as per Don's wishes.