Dakota James Stafford

Dakota James Stafford, 10, of Manila, died Saturday, July 16, 2011, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. Born in Blytheville to Richard and Crystal Loar Stafford, he lived most of his life in Manila, where he attended Manila Elementary School, and 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, Ray and Susan Owens of Tuckerman, Mark and Betty Loar of Jonesboro, and Eugene Staggs of Little Rock; and

Two great-grandmothers, Sue Loar and Billie Staggs.

The family will receive visitors from 6- 8 p.m. Monday, July 25, at the Howard Funeral Chapel in Leachville. Funeral services, officiated by Ferrel Duffel and Jarred Russell, will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, at the First Baptist Church in Manila. Serving as pallbearers will be Jarrod Loar, George Starkey Jr., Ronald Amick, Dallas Woods, Chad Costner and Jeff Costner. Burial will follow in the Leachville Cemetery.

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