Robert Edward "Bob" Stanford, 53, of Lake Jackson entered into everlasting life with Jesus Christ on February 10, 2003 after courageously battling a lengthy illness. Robert was born May 1, 1949 in Freeport, Texas to John and Emma Crofton Stanford.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2003 at the Church of the Nazarene in Lake Jackson with Pastor Ken Christoffersen officiating. Visitation of family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at the Lakewood Funeral Chapel in Lake Jackson. Burial will follow services at Restwood Memorial Park. Robert was a native to the Brazosport area.

He graduated from Brazosport High School in 1969. He was known to many people as Fireman Bob. Robert was a very dedicated fireman for the Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department and Dow Chemical. His famous nicknames with the fire departments were, Bob-Robert, Fireman Bob, and Worm. He truly was a fireman 24 hours a day and loved every minute. He was not only a fire fighter for more than 25 years, he was also an EMT and helped many people throughout his wonderful life.

Another love of his was to visit area schools and preschools for fire safety. He loved going to schools in the firetruck with his beloved Dalmatian, Perdita. Many children looked forward to seeing Fireman Bob every year. His love for children could not be measured. He was also known by many through his teaching CPR and First Aid through the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association and the nursing program at Brazosport College. He also taught at fire schools in Angleton and at Lamar University in Beaumont. Robert was a member of the Corvette Club and ran many rally's with them. He had been a member of the Boy Scouts, Brazosport C B Club and REACT. He coached girls soccer for seven years in the Lake Jackson Soccer Club and was truly dedicated to his children and their teams. Robert married Deborah Jaromin on December 29, 1976.

Robert is survived and will be sorely missed by his wife, Deborah of 26 years. Robert is also survived by two daughters: Rachael Alejandro of Lake Jackson, and Erika Green and husband Matt of Lake Jackson; parents, John and Emma Stanford of Lake Jackson; two brothers Ron Stanford and wife Lana of Lake Jackson, and John Stanford of Freeport. The pride of his life were his five grandchildren, Robert, Natalie and Ryan of Lake Jackson, Isabel and Tony of Clute. He is also loved and missed by numerous nieces and nephews.His beloved stepdaughter,Stella Trahan, preceded him in death. Pallbearers will be Andy Anderson, Talmage Taylor, Mike Mathis, Matthew Green, Henry Mendez, Mike Quisenberry, Ron Stanford, and John Stanford, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department and Dow Chemical Fire Department.