Indianapolis
Ben Stafford, 67, passed away peacefully March 19, 2017, with his children by his side in Indianapolis. Ben was the son of Charles W. and Mary J. Stafford, Trafalgar, and the sibling of William E. Stafford (Stella) of Austin, Texas, Evelyn B. Johnson of Edinburgh, and Dickie Stafford (deceased).
Ben was in the first graduating class at Indian Creek High School after previously attending Trafalgar High School. He enjoyed cross country and received the first individual trophy ever awarded at Indian Creek. After high school, Ben attended Indiana University and went on to complete graduate school of banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Ben fell in love with the city of Franklin and moved his family there in 1973. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball, attending his children’s extracurricular activities and working with the Steve Barnett race team. Ben was a member of the First Presbyterian church, where he served as a deacon. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks Club in Franklin.
For 25 years, Ben worked at Edinburgh State Bank where he was a beloved employee and coworker.
After a successful career in banking, Ben worked in real estate and then rounded out his career with 10 great years at Preferred Financial Solutions as the director of quality assurance. Upon retirement at age 60, Ben enjoyed fixing up his home in Indianapolis, watching sports, working in his yard and building his coin collection.
Ben spoke most fondly of his 30 years in Franklin, where he raised his children with Patti J. Petersen.
Ben considered his children and grandchildren the greatest accomplishments of his lifetime.
Left behind to cherish many memories are his sons, Scott Stafford (Rachel) and Brad Stafford; daughter, Stacie Stafford Oliver (Jon); and five grandchildren, Natalie, Avery, Sam, Evan and Kate. Ben also leaves behind his dearest friend and niece, Terri Eagler. He also held dear the memories and time spent time with his brother, sister, nieces and nephews, and the entire Hynds family.
Ben had several friends who impacted his life including Kay Meadors, Claude Eagler, Steve Barnett, Donald Seagraves, Mike “Andy” Anderson, Jim Taylor, W.A. Burton, as well as neighborhood friends Steve, Rick, Gus, Craig, Wally, Regi, Polly, Stephanie, Craig and Lori.
The family would like to thank those who supported Ben during his illness. Calling hours will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017, at the Flinn-Maguire funeral home, 2898 N. Morton St., Franklin, with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 1 p.m. In addition, friends and loved ones of Ben are welcome to gather after the service for food and drinks from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Willard in downtown Franklin.
Online condolences may be received at www.flinnmaguire.net.
