Weatherford Native Tom Stafford, one of NASA’s early astronauts, who flew in space four times including a trip to orbit the moon and then a historic rendezvous with Soviet cosmonauts, has died. He was 93 and passed away on Monday after battling a long illness.
Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued a statement following the news on the passing of Oklahoman General Thomas P. Stafford:
“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.”
House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, issued a statement following the passing of Lieutenant General Thomas P. Stafford on March 18, 2024 at age 93.
General Stafford was an astronaut from Weatherford, Oklahoma known for commanding the Apollo 10 mission to the moon and was the first man to pilot a Lunar Module into orbit.
“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 sons for this tremendous loss. General Stafford 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.”
Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, today issued a statement commenting on the passing of General Thomas P. Stafford.
“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.”
Gen. Thomas P. Stafford was an American Air Force officer, test pilot and NASA astronaut, and one of 24 astronauts who flew to the Moon. He also served as Chief of the Astronaut Office from 1969 to 1971.
“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.”
After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, Stafford was commissioned in the United States Air Force, flying the F-86 Sabre before becoming a test pilot. He was selected to become an astronaut in 1962, and flew aboard Gemini 6A in 1965 and Gemini 9A in 1966. In 1969, Stafford served as the commander of Apollo 10, the second crewed mission to orbit the Moon. On the mission he, along with Gene Cernan, became the first to fly an Apollo Lunar Module in lunar orbit, descending to an altitude of nine miles. Born in Weatherford, OK on Sept. 17, 1930, Stafford attended Weatherford High School and went on to play footba
Senator Mullin released this statement on social media following the passing of Gen. Tom Stafford:
“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
Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, released the following statement Monday on the passing of General Thomas P. Stafford, a Weatherford native who commanded the Apollo 10 mission to the moon.
“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.”
Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after General Thomas Stafford of Oklahoma passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024:
“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,” said Congressman Cole. “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.”
House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas released the following statement today after the passing of NASA trailblazer and Weatherford native, General Tom Stafford:
“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,” said Congressman Frank Lucas. “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.”
