Howard A. Stafford died peacefully at his home in New Braunfels, Texas on October 27, 2004.  Services were held Saturday, October 30, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at the Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels with interment following in the Comal County Cemetery in New Braunfels, Texas. 

He was born on March 29, 1930 and grew up in Coleman, Texas the oldest son of C. E. and Lillian Marshall Stafford.  He graduated from Coleman High School in 1947 and from the University of Texas at El Paso, Sul Ross University and the University of North Texas at Denton receiving degrees in music and education.  From 1950 to 1952 he served in the 326th Army Band at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.  After marrying Marijane Fischer in 1956, the couple moved to Dallas where they raised their family and lived for 47 years.  In 2002 they moved to New Braunfels where his wife had grown up.  Howard spent his life as a musician, playing piano, trombone, writing and arranging music.  For 10 years he was a middle school band director, where he played all instruments.  He instinctively taught everyone with whom he came in contact and helped many young musicians on their road to a musical career.  His greatest pleasure came from knowing that he was making people happy with his music, especially playing with dance bands.  Howard was a life long member of Local 72-147, the Ft. Worth-Dallas Professional Musicians Association.  He was also a member of the Coleman Masonic Lodge and a 32nd degree Mason. 

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian Marshall Stafford and C. E. Stafford and by a daughter, Linda Stafford. 

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marijane Stafford; his daughter, Catherine Pherigo and husband Will of Garland, Texas; his son, John and wife Colleen of Temple, Texas; three grandchildren, Matthew Pherigo, Gabriel and Faith Stafford; his brother, Charles W. Stafford and wife Helen of Coleman, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family has requested that memorial contributions be given to Hope Hospice in New Braunfels, Texas; American Cancer Society; or the American Diabetes Association.