Thomas Joseph Stanford, Sr., 80, of Lake Charles, died at 7:33 AM Wednesday, August 25, 2010 in a local care facility.

Mr. Stanford was born in Houston, Texas and has lived in the lake area for the past eight years. Mr. Stanford retired from Port Terminal Railroad Association in Houston, Texas. He was of the Catholic faith. Mr. Stanford was an avid Outdoorsman.

He is survived by one son Leland Stanford of Dacula, Georgia, three daughters Theresa Craig of Sulphur, Louisiana, Mona Romain of Morgans Point Resort, Texas, Annette Slawson of Hull, Texas, ten grandchildren: James Stanford, Cathy Craig, Eric Pounders, Grace Pounders, David Craig, Leland Stanford II, Collin Haynes, Tiffany Porter, Sherry and Melissa Stanford, five great grandchildren Oran Antony, Aiden Tompkins, Olivia Janneck, Aubrie Haynes, and Evan Porter.

Mr. Stanford is preceded in death by his parents William and Josephine Stanford and one son Thomas J. Stanford II.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 10:00 AM from the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Deacon Garrett Caraway will officiate. Visitation will begin on Friday at 6:00 PM until 8:30 PM and will continue on Saturday at 8:00 AM until the time of services. Burial will be at a later date in Rockdale, Texas.