01/05/2026
Hollis Eugene Stanford, Sr., of McAlester, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
The family will greet friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Chaney Harkins Funeral Home Chapel.
Military honors will be rendered by the United States Navy Honor Guard at 4:00 p.m. Cremation will follow the visitation.
Hollis was born on December 16, 1938, in Ada, Oklahoma, to Ernest J. Stanford and Ovella (Teel) Stanford. He married the love of his life, Mary C. Scott, on March 30, 1957. She preceded him in death on January 28, 2021.
Hollis graduated from Madill High School with the Class of 1956. That same year, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned more than 20 years. He retired with honor on October 1, 1976, achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer.
Following his retirement, Hollis moved his family to Hartshorne, Oklahoma, where he devoted his years to the things he loved most. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and fishing, and he was also gifted artistically, finding joy in oil painting, sketching, and quilting.
Hollis was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Scott) Stanford; his parents; his son, Hollis Stanford, Jr.; his granddaughter, Krisha Bowerman; his brothers, Ernest D. Stanford and Tommy Stanford; and his sister, Elsie Doverspike.
He is survived by his children: Rowena Rosenbaum and husband Michael, Janet Walton, James Stanford and wife Kimber, and Eric Stanford; his grandchildren: Christina Echelle and husband Anthony, Rebecca Sanders and husband Jason, Michael Bowerman and wife Leira, Jay Bowerman and wife Michele, Sara Madry and husband Jason, LeeAnn Rowell, Whitney Stanford, and Wyatt Stanford; 13 great-grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; his sister, Reathea Alexander; his cousin, Brian Stanford; along with numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, family members, and friends who will cherish his memory.