Douglas Gene Stafford

Obituary

Douglas Gene Stafford

July 28, 1956- January 26, 2025

Douglas Gene Stafford, 68, passed away at Three Rivers Health in Basin Wyoming on January 26, 2025. Doug was born on July 28, 1956, in Fort Worth, Texas, the third of four boys born to Leroy Verell Stafford and Willie Mae (Sims) Haynes.

Doug spent his early years in Texas, becoming a Golden Glove Boxing Champion while in high school. Following his graduation, he dabbled in horses, training them and being a jockey for a while. During this time, he decided to join his brothers and Uncle Buddy Sims and became a ballroom dance instructor. He moved to Sarasota Florida in the early 1980's where his family owned and operated many dance schools. Doug also worked for Fred Astaire Dance Studio and Arthur Murray Dance Studio.

He married Rebbeca Herrin in Texas. To this union, two children were born, Leroy and Lisa. The couple later divorced. Rosan Tomaselli came into his life in Florida, and they were the parents of Natalie Tomaselli. Being a father was fun for Doug, he loved actively playing with his children as they grew up.

Douglas bounced between Texas and Florida for many years with a short stint in Virginia. In 2010, he came to Wyoming to be near his daughter, Lisa. Texas always had a pull on him, and he traversed the roads back to his native home many times, but in 2019, he was in Wyoming to stay until the time of his passing.

Doug loved to dance and teach dancing. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling stories, some got just a little better with each telling. The only thing better than his own children were his grandchildren. They meant everything to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Bruce, Michael and Jimmy Stafford.

Survivors include his children, Leroy (Kristen) Verell Stafford of Deadwood, South Dakota, Lisa (Joey) Anguiano of Greybull Wyoming and Natalie Tomaselli of Providence, Rhode Island; sister, Destiny Haynes of Alvarado Texas; Grandchildren, Trevor Zickefoose, Weston Stafford, Jaxon and Jacey Stafford; Doug loved all his nieces and nephews very much.

Cremation has taken place, and no formal services are planned at this time. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralonline.com