Condolences, Memories and Thoughts

"I was deeply saddened to hear about Lt. General Stafford's passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Though I never had the privilege of meeting General Stafford personally, the warmth and respect with which you spoke of him left a lasting impression on me.

His remarkable legacy is evident in the strength and stature of the Stafford Museum and the profound impact he had on the City of Weatherford. His spirit will continue to be a guiding force for the community."

Daneka Allen Pennington - Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation

"General Thomas Stafford 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 Stafford not only played an integral role in the Space Race but made prodigious strides in academics such as so-writing pilot textbooks that are still referenced today. His legacy will live on through this family, the Stafford Air and Space Museum, and the people of Oklahoma."

House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, Oklahoma City

"Even at the age of 93, General Stafford was extremely passionate about the future of space exploration. I was honored to visit with him just last year. May General Stafford's memory be a blessing to all who loved and admired him. General Stafford dedicated his life in service to our country, and his proud legacy will never be forgotten. General Stafford dedicated his life in service to our country, and his proud legacy will never be forgotten."

Markwayne Mullin, US Senator

“General Stafford had a historic career and dedicated his life to service. His knowledge and skillset were invaluable to our state and country, and he will be truly missed. Stafford was a true hometown hero, and the Weatherford community was fortunate to witness his numerous accomplishments over the years. His legacy will live on through the Stafford Air and Space Museum, offering future generations a glimpse into the significant contributions he made during his extensive tenure in air and space exploration. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Oklahoma Senate, Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher

“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.”

Senator James Lankford (OK-R)

"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."

Oklahoma 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."

Oklahoma Rep. Anthony Moore (R-Clinton)

“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.”

OK Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond

"Our heart breaks for the loss of General Stafford. We have truly loss a national hero. On behalf of the men and women of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, we are saddened by this tremendous loss but take comfort in having been blessed by his presence and contributions over many years.

I treasure having gotten the chance to meet him and learn about his amazing impact on this nation and the world. I have often shared with my family and colleagues that getting to know General Stafford has been a major highlight of my career. I spoke with him on the phone a couple of months ago about coming to a ribbon cutting we plan for later this year, and he was eager to come join us. I am so sad we won’t be able to visit and see him again. He has been a blessing to all of us and we will always treasure having the Stafford building named in his honor. It is the only building out of our 136 buildings named after a person. Please accept our deepest condolences."

Michelle Coppedge, Director Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center

"We were so fortunate to have known him and have him as a friend - he was loved by all who knew him."

Anthony Lazarski

"We share in your sorrow. Tom was an amazing person and will be dearly missed. He left a thumbprint on the world in many ways, and it is the responsibility of our museums to share his story so that he might continue inspiring children forever. "

Tonya Blansett, Tulsa Air and Space Museum Exec. Director

"Thank you for letting us know: Jann and I are of course crushed to hear this. Our hearts go out to you, the team at the museum, and Gen. Stafford's family. We deeply admired the General as a man and as a role model, and the Museum has made a huge difference to our lives."

David and Jann Tenenbaum

"An American Hero passed away and his love for America, Oklahoma, and the legacy of what he brought to space and aerospace travel will never be rivaled."

Caleb Michael Cochran, State Director, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin office

"A true hero!" Kelly Amen

"I will miss you and your wonderful outlook on life. I so enjoyed your visits with us in Dayton. Godspeed, sir."

Donna Cooper