Michael Stanford

Opelousas – A Memorial Service for Michael Cyril Stanford will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, La.  Deacon Ulysse Joubert will conduct the service.

Visitation will begin Saturday, October 1, 2022, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  A Rosary will be prayed at 2:00 p.m. by Deacon Joubert.

It is with deep sorrow we regretfully announce the passing of Michael Cyril Stanford on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at the age of 70.

Michael was a native of Opelousas and a graduate of Church Point High School.  He raised his family in the Opelousas area.  He spent many years making friends in Acadiana and building his business, Rayne Auto Repair and Sales for over 30 years.  He took pleasure in his family and business and was well liked and respected.  Michael was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church.  He spent 49 years with his wife Charmaine Cortez Stanford and raised two sons and a daughter.  He enjoyed being outdoors rabbit hunting and camping.  His favorite hobby was Sacalait fishing and loved to share his fishing expertise with his kids, grandkids, brothers, and closest friends.  He would never turn down an opportunity to spend the day on the water with his family or friends.  Michael also raised, trained, and raced quarter horses for many years.  He will forever be remembered as a kind and loving soul.

Michael will forever be remembered and missed by his wife of 49 years, Charmaine Cortez Stanford; his sons, Scott Stanford and wife, Roxan, of Livonia, Ryan Stanford and wife, Kelly, of Opelousas; his daughter, Amber Stanford and husband, Cody Savoy, of Opelousas; his brothers, Herman Stanford and wife, Penny, of Lafayette, Leo Stanford and wife, Susie, of Lake Charles, Alton Stanford and wife, Barbara, of Church Point and Owen Stanford and wife, Gwen, of Church Point and his sister, Barbara Nell Jarreau and husband, Jimmy, of New Roads.  He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Lane Stanford, MacKenzie Stanford, Addelyn Savoy, Ryan (RJ) Stanford, Noah Stanford, and Drake Savoy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Evangeline Thibodeaux Stanford, his sisters, Martha Manuel, Cecile Rodriguez, Philomena Matte and Kathleen Stanford and his brothers, John, Norman, Clayton, and Dale Stanford.

Pallbearers will be Scott and Ryan Stanford.

The family would like to thank all his doctors and nurses who cared for Mike through his health issues.  He lived a great life and passed away knowing his job was well done.  We all will cherish our memories of you and ask to help us all with our next bite.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.