Dakota James Stafford

Dakota James Stafford, 10, son of Richard and Crystal Loar Stafford, died Saturday, July 16, 2011, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. Born at Blytheville, he had lived most of his life in Manila where he attended Manila Elementary School having completed the second grade. He was looking forward to starting the third grade and enjoyed stacking cans and blocks.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, James and Lavada Dublin, Ivan Loar and Erbie Staggs; and a very loving and special great-great-grandmother, Lorene Dublin.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Cody Wayne Stafford of the home; his grandparents, Gerald and Belinda Stafford of Wesley Chapel, Fla., Ray and Susan Owens of Tuckerman, Mark and Betty Loar of Jonesboro, and Eugene Staggs of Little Rock; two great-grandmothers, Sue Loar and Billie Staggs.

The funeral was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, at the First Baptist Church in Manila with the Revs. Ferrel Duffel and Jarred Russell officiating. Burial will follow in the Leachville Cemetery.

The family received visitors Monday from 6-8 p.m. at the Howard Funeral Chapel in Leachville.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jarrod Loar, George Starkey, Jr., Ronald Amick, Dallas Woods, Chad Costner and Jeff Costner.

To sign the online guest register log on to www.howardfuneralservice.com.