Ellis D. Stafford, age 65, a resident of Irving for 53 years, died January 3, 2013 at his home. Born January 12, 1947 in Ashdown, Arkansas, he was the son of Carl Randolph Stafford and Trelby Erist Cleghorn Stafford. He was employed by the Abbott Laboratory in Irving. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he was a member of the Blackhorse 11th Armored Cavalry. Preceded in death by his parents and a brother Carl Anthony Stafford, he is survived by a brother Randy Stafford and his wife Daphne of Irving; nieces, Christina Medellian and Lisa Stevens; and nephews David Stafford and Cody Stafford. The family will receive friends 6:00 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at Donnellys Colonial Funeral Home, 606 W. Airport Freeway in Irving. The funeral will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery.