Stephen "Drew" Andrew Stanford

Stephen Andrew Stanford was and is a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He entered this world on December 31, 1990, bringing a new year with him, and departed this earth unexpectedly on August 19, 2026.

A brilliant mind and kind soul and spirit of a sasshole…a fierce defender of justice and an ally to many. He was an amazing listener. Musically inclined, a fan of Broadway, showtunes and musicals, and a collector of instruments, a whistle or a hum often accompanied his presence. The family offers their sympathy to the translators and anyone else who was held hostage in a car by his love for musical theatre. Drew enjoyed a plethora of good cuisine; a foodie, if you will. He had an affinity for all kitchen gadgets and a palate refined enough to serve his family broccoli salad aspic for fun.

He found his home in Baton Rouge, a place where he thrived and felt safe to become and be himself. His character was reflected in the company he kept and the friends he collected over the years. He spoke often of others and their compassion and consideration while downplaying his own service contributions. He was known to trap you with a YouTube video, displayed properly on the big TV – that’s what they called him in high school. He gave good hugs…such good hugs, but don’t look for anything in that car of his. The way he kept his backpack in elementary followed him into adulthood, and we still loved him for it. Actually…don’t even look AT the car. He was witty and funny, and hardworking, and had an appreciation for dark humor.

He LOVED his mom. He was such an easy-going child, and he did not just tolerate, but partook in antics often orchestrated by all the girls who surrounded him. He was decent and loyal. Nothing exceeded his capacity for knowing and his want and ability to learn or self-teach. A calm presence, he had a tendency to make you feel steady, even when he was not, and he has left us entirely too soon.

He is survived by his parents, Stephen and Amy Stanford, his sister Elise, his brother Peyton, his absolute favorite niece Amalie, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Dr AC and Vera Broussard and Alex and Marie Stanford.

The world lost light when he left here, and there will never be words or memories sufficient to fully capture the tremendous life and presence his soul and spirit afforded. We are better people because we knew him. He was and is tremendously loved and will be missed dearly by those fortunate enough to be a witness to his beautiful life.

A rosary will be prayed for him at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Welsh, followed by a Mass at 10:00 a.m. After Mass, the family would love for all to join them in celebrating him and his life at Le Centre de Pere Daigle.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to islaimmigration.org.

Please leave fond memories for the Stanford family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.