Mr. Nathaniel D. Stanford, Sr, after "Three Score and Ten Years," made his transition from life to everlasting on Saturday morning, July 9, 2016 from Tulsa, Oklahoma

Nathaniel Stanford was born May 20, 1946, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Azalee (Bess) Stanford and Walter Stanford. He was the youngest of their seven children. At an early age, Nathaniel professed faith in Christ, was baptized and joined Macedonia Baptist church.
He attended Langston Elementary, Sadler Junior High and graduated from Manual Training High School.

While attending Manual, he excelled in football, having a reputation of the most feared center by all his competitors. He also became a skilled barber under the leadership of Mr. Coleman.

In June, after high school, he joined the United States Army, completing his basic training in Ft Polk, Louisiana. On August 16, 1965, he married Jackie Devorah Fields. They were blessed with a son, Nathaniel Jr., while stationed in Germany and a daughter, Sherita, born in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Nathaniel did tours in Berlin, Korea and the DMZ and was later stationed in Ft Ord, California. He retired from the Army in June 1978.

Once returning to Muskogee, he worked for the Muskogee Water Treatment plant for 14 years, was a foster parent and helped operate Jackie's Daycare Center. The experience of fostering led them to love and adopt Bryant, Andrea, Alexis, Maurice and Jacob.
Nathaniel enjoyed hunting, fishing, card games, grilling good meats and various other activities. Often, he could be found at a cafe eating breakfast and chatting with friends. When his health began to change, he found a new joy that seemed to invigorate and consume his attention. That was to help raise his granddaughter, K'Mauri Billings, the love of his life. He took care of her and she wrapped him around her fingers.

His health took a drastic turn on June 18th. He was given love and attention by his children, family and the health professionals.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Walter and Azalee; one brother, George and three sisters: Dorothy Dedmon, Vacie Chatman and Maxine Norwood.

Those left to cherish many memories are : his wife, Jackie D. Stanford, Oklahoma City; his children, Nathaniel Stanford, Jr. (Cynthia) of Muskogee, Sherita Stanford, Oklahoma City, Bryant, Andrea, Alexis, Maurice and Jacob and Granddaughter K'Mauri all of Muskogee; One sister, Mary Alice Wallace and one brother, Sammie (Margo) Stanford, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends who will miss him dearly.

The Final Salute for Mr. Stanford will be on Friday, July 15, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at Rayfield Baptist Church in Muskogee. Burial will follow in the National Cemetery at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma at 12 Noon.

You may visit Mr. Stanford, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM.