JOHN PAUL STANFORD (1941- 2017) beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas.   He was born April 10, 1941, in Navasota, Texas to William McIntyre (Bill) Stanford and Mary Stanford Shatto.  His father was killed in the Normandy Invasion in France in 1944, and he was raised by his mother.  He joined the United States Marines in 1961, where he served in the Vietnam War from 1962-1965.  Following the war, he completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Houston.  He then attended the University of Houston School of Law where he graduated in 1973.  He also obtained his CPA during this time.  He specialized in tax law.  John served with a variety of companies using his expertise in tax law.  In 1987, he joined the AGIP Petroleum Co. as the Tax Manager, and continued working for AGIP until they outsourced the tax department.  He then worked for Conklin Hruzek CPA firm before being recruited by the Mitchell Family Corporation where he managed the George Mitchell account until his death.  He had a strong work ethic and loved what he did.

John's faith was important to him.  He was a member of Cypress United Methodist Church where he served our Lord by ushering.  He served on the Finance Committee as Treasurer, and taught classes in Financial Peace.

John deeply loved his family. He was a dedicated father and husband who instilled in his children values, morals, and ethics. John loved his country, and wore his Marine hat proudly. He was a deep thinker and had a witty sense of humor.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Gail.  He is also survived by his 4 children:  Kathryn Stanford Jedlicka (Gary), William (Bill) McIntyre Stanford (Laura), Alice Nance Jansen (Erick), and Emily Nance Fitts (Brian), brother William (Billy) McIntyre Stanford (Mary) and granddaughters, Ayla Jansen and Samantha Jansen.

Visitation will be at the Klein Funeral Home, 9719 Wortham Blvd Houston, Texas 77065 on September 10, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Services will be held at Cypress United Methodist Church on September 11, 2017 at 1:00 pm.  Dr. Tony McCollum will officiate.  Following the service there will be a reception in Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cypress United Methodist Church 13403 Cypress North Houston, Cypress, Texas 77429, Wounded Warrior Project, or the American Cancer Society.