Oklahoma Astronaut General Thomas Stafford dies at 93
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INDIAN HARBOR, Fla. (KFOR) – The Stafford Air & Space Museum announced that General Thomas Stafford passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024, in Florida. He was 93.
Officials say Stafford was born in Weatherford, Oklahoma, on September 17, 1930, to Thomas and Mary Stafford. He grew up in western Oklahoma before graduating from Weatherford High School and starting his career at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
He later graduated in the top 1% of his class and began pursuing a career he dreamt about as a child, a fighter pilot. He eventually transferred to the Air Force and earned his silver wings.
In the 1960’s, the Space Race was is full swing and NASA announced that a second group of astronauts would be sent to space. Stafford was one of those astronauts selected. The nine astronauts were called the “New Nine” as they experienced many firsts in spaceflight.
After piloting other spaceflights, Stafford would later command the Apollo 10 mission to the moon and be the first man to pilot a Lunar Module into orbit.
He was eventually chosen by NASA to be Chief of the Astronaut Office before serving as Deputy Director of Flight Crew Operations at Johnson Space Center.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MAY 09: Thomas Stafford attends the OMEGA 50th Anniversary Moon Landing Event on May 09, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for OMEGA) NEW YORK – JULY 16: (L-R) Legendary cosmonaut Valery Kubasov, Vladimir Vaksar, astronaut Lt. General Thomas Stafford, astronaut Vance Brand, Yuriy Lyubeznik and general manager Tourbillon Michael Winston attend the 35th anniversary of the Apollo Soyuz lunch at Tourbillon Boutique on July 16, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for OMEGA) (Original Caption) 7/1/1975-Houston, Texas- American commander Thomas Stafford (R) shakes hands with Soviet commander Alexei Leonov during recent training exercise for Apollo-Soyuz mission. The symbolic handshake in space is scheduled for 3:17 PM EDT 7/17, about three hours after three American astronauts and two Soviet cosmonauts rendevous and link up in space.
His NASA and military career came to an end in 1979, where he was the first member of his Naval Academy Class to earn his first, second and third stars as general officer.
According to the museum, General Stafford is survived by his wife, Linda, of the home. They have two sons, Michael Thomas, and Stanislav “Stas” Patten. His first marriage was to the late Faye L. Shoemaker. From that marriage came two daughters, Dionne Kay and Karin Elaine, and two grandsons, Thomas P. Stafford II, and Andrew Alexei Harrison. Linda has two children from a previous marriage, Kassie Neering and Mark Hill, and four grandchildren, Sloane, Lee, Marcus, and Tara.
KFOR’s Galen Culver visited with Stafford in 2007 and did a two-part Great State story on the icon.
Watch the 2-part from 2007 below.
Multiple statements were released a on Monday regarding General Stafford’s passing.
“General Thomas Strafford was an incredible man and astronaut from Oklahoma. I had the honor of meeting him almost exactly 8 years ago today, so this is surreal. My heart goes out to his wife and family for this tremendous loss. General Strafford not only played an integral role in the Space Race but made prodigious strides in academics such as co-writing pilot textbooks that are still referenced today. His legacy will live on through his family, his Weatherford museum, and the people of Oklahoma.”
House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City
“Cindy and I are profoundly saddened by the loss of General Stafford, who served his hometown, state, and nation until his last day. He was an Air Force officer, pilot, astronaut, patriot, husband, father, and a man who never stopped serving his country. In the past few months, General Stafford was in my office talking about the next generation in space and ways we can strengthen our nation. In 1962 he not only piloted Gemini VI—he helped develop and prove the basic theory and practicality of space rendezvous—a truly remarkable achievement for a boy from Weatherford. General Stafford leaves a legacy and an example to young Oklahomans of the American dream—no matter who you are or where you start, if you work hard, you can achieve greatness in the United States. We will pray for his family as they grieve his passing.”
James Lankford, U.S. Senator
“Very sad to hear that renowned General Tom Stafford (USAF, ret.) has passed away. A Weatherford native, Stafford graduated from Weatherford High School and went on to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. He became a pilot, flight leader, and flight test maintenance officer before being selected for both the Gemini and Apollo missions in 1962. He was a commander on the 1969 Apollo X mission and is still recognized for the all-time highest reentry speed of any manned spacecraft. Amazingly, General Stafford remains the first and only active General to fly in space. General Stafford dedicated his life in service to our country, and his proud legacy will never be forgotten. #OklahomaStandard”
U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin
“Today is a sad day for our state and nation as we mourn the loss of Gen. Thomas P. Stafford,” McCall said. “His service to our country inspired generations who came after to dream big and reach for the stars. His commitment to public outreach through the Apollo Program allowed millions of Americans to experience the wonder of space, something that has continued at the Stafford Air & Space Museum that shares his name. My sincere condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. He was a truly great Oklahoman and will be missed.”
OK House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka
“General Stafford played an instrumental role in leading humanity to the stars,” Moore said. “As a little boy growing up in western Oklahoma, he had no idea the immense impact he would eventually have on space exploration. His storied career opened unprecedented horizons of scientific exploration and brought a new understanding of our universe. His hometown of Weatherford and all of western Oklahoma have remained and always will be eternally proud to call him one of our own, and I pray that his loved ones find peace during this time.”
OK State Representative Anthony Moore, R-Clinton
“Oklahoma, the United States, and the entire world mourn the loss of one of mankind’s greatest explorers and trailblazers. General Tom Stafford’s contributions to the early Gemini program, the historic Apollo lunar missions, and the subsequent Apollo-Soyuz partnership shaped space exploration as we know it today. His passing marks the end of an era in space, but his legacy will undoubtedly pave the way for a new era in mankind’s odyssey into the unknown.
His pioneering legacy will also live on in the hearts of Oklahomans – especially with the Stafford Air and Space Museum in Weatherford teaching the next generation the power of STEM. Ever since I had a long conversation with General Stafford on a coincidental flight from DC to OKC, he has served as a consistent source of priceless knowledge for me and my office. America will rightfully remember General Stafford as a hero and patriot, but I will always remember him as a friend and proud Oklahoman.”
Congressman Frank Lucas R (OK-03)
“On behalf of the Oklahoma Aero Caucus, we’d like to send our deepest condolences to the family of General Thomas P. Stafford. As a distinguished astronaut, noble Air Force officer, and trusted government advisor, he exemplified dedication, leadership, and expertise, leaving behind a legacy of service and a wealth of knowledge. A few years ago, I had the honor of spending the day with him and hearing more about his incredible career including his roles in four historic space missions, flying hundreds of military aircraft, and serving in various roles at NASA, among countless other feats. I highly encourage everyone to take a visit to his hometown of Weatherford and visit the Stafford Air and Space Museum to learn more about this incredible Oklahoman and his legacy. He will be deeply missed.”
St. Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond
“I am very sad to learn of the passing of General Thomas Stafford, a great American, a great Oklahoman, and a great friend. Thomas Stafford was a boy from a small town in Oklahoma who always dreamed of flying while he watched mail planes cross our state in the sky. Those dreams eventually took him to space, around the moon, and home again on a series of epic and harrowing voyages. He even eventually became a diplomat when he worked with his Russian counterparts on joint ventures in space.
Personally, I first met Colonel Stafford more than fifty years ago when he briefly explored the idea of running for the United States Senate. Fortunately for the history of space travel, he stayed committed to his career in the U.S. Air Force and his role as one of our nation’s leading experts on space travel. However, over the course of my congressional career, General Stafford remained a regular visitor at my office. He was always involved in some sort of cutting-edge venture and was always generous with his advice on aerospace and other important defense issues. America and Oklahoma have truly lost a renowned hero and space pioneer. As for me, I have lost a dear friend who I will miss all the rest of my days. May General Thomas Stafford Rest in Peace.”
Congressman Tom Cole, R (OK-04)
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